Gazing across the harbor, what secrets does this bronze figure hold? Right here before us stands the A Māori Figure in a Kaitaka Cloak. This statue isn’t just a piece of art. It’s a symbol of change, a testament to the evolving cultural landscape of Auckland in the 1960s. The A Māori Figure in a Kaitaka Cloak, created by Molly Macalister, was unveiled in 1967. It was a groundbreaking moment. Macalister became the first woman in New Zealand to receive a public art commission. The statue itself depicts a Māori chief, draped in a kaitaka, a prestigious cloak. This chief isn’t in a warrior’s stance. Instead, he holds a mere, a symbol of peace, by his side, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The creation of the A Māori Figure in a Kaitaka Cloak wasn’t without controversy. Many at the time advocated for a more stereotypical representation, a warrior in a fighting pose. Macalister’s vision, however, prevailed. She collaborated with the local Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei iwi, ensuring the statue’s authenticity and cultural significance. Originally placed near the Britomart Transport Centre, the A Māori Figure in a Kaitaka Cloak now stands proudly on Quay Street. This powerful bronze figure offers a quiet welcome to all who arrive in Auckland, a symbol of peace and a reminder of a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s artistic history.
Takapuna School Memorial Gate War memorial
So, as you pass through the Takapuna School Memorial Gate, remember more than just names. Remember the history, the sacrifices,