Here, emerging from the footpath, are the bronze sculptures of waka. This is Tauranga Waka. Imagine these waka pulled up onto the beach. Feel the history beneath your feet.
Tauranga Waka means the resting place of canoes. This artwork marks Auckland’s original shoreline. Before 1860, the shoreline was 200 metres inland. Now, we stand on reclaimed land.
These five bronze waka remind us of Auckland’s past. Artist Chris Bailey created Tauranga Waka. They were installed in March 2018. The location is Beach Road.
Bailey’s waka are not waka taua or war canoes. Instead, they are humble working waka. These canoes were for fishing. They collected kaimoana or seafood. They transported produce. Bailey said that these are the waka that supported family life. These waka kept the people fed.
The hulls of Tauranga Waka were carved from totara. Then they were cast in bronze. This ensures the artwork’s longevity.
The land reclamation happened between 1860 and 1880. Earth came from Tangihanga Pūkaea. This was Point Britomart. Te Reuroa Pā once stood there. It was above the Beach Road site.
Bailey hopes we have a higher consciousness now. This is about protecting significant landforms. Also, it is about cultural footprints in the landscape.
Tauranga Waka reminds us of the original foreshore. It lies under the pavement. It speaks of the rich Māori maritime history.
Māori from different iwi came to Tāmaki Makaurau. They came from all over Tīkapa Moana or the Hauraki Gulf. This included Waiheke. They brought supplies. They supported the local population. Bailey hopes this work reminds us of that coming together. Māori came from all over Tāmaki Makaurau. They came in a constructive and peaceful way.
Bailey was awarded this commission in 2016. Local iwi and Auckland Council chose him. Other artists submitted works. The artwork was funded via the City Centre Targeted Rate.
Feel the bronze. Imagine the water. Remember the canoes. This place was once a beach. Now, Tauranga Waka marks the spot. It connects us to the past. It honours the Māori heritage.