Gazing upon the Arataki stone sculpture, one can’t help but feel a sense of ancient power. The Arataki stone sculpture sits at the entrance to the Arataki Visitor Centre. It’s a significant landmark in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Parkland, west of Auckland. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a powerful symbol of the area’s rich history and the enduring connection of the Te Kawerau a Maki people to this land. The original Arataki stone sculpture was sadly removed in 2009 due to irreparable damage. It had stood proudly for 15 years. The community felt its absence keenly. The Arataki Visitor Centre, the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges, felt incomplete without its guardian.
The Arataki stone sculpture isn’t just a piece of art. It’s a living embodiment of the whakapapa (genealogy) and traditional knowledge of the Te Kawerau a Maki. It represents their mana (authority) upon the land. The current 12-meter pou (carved post) was unveiled in 2011. This majestic replacement was carved from a fallen kauri tree from the Waitākere Ranges themselves. Skilled carvers John Collins and Sunnah Thompson poured their hearts into this project, ensuring the new pou would honor the ancestors. It’s a testament to local craftsmanship and a fitting tribute to the tangata whenua (indigenous people) of the Waitākere Ranges.
The figures carved into the Arataki stone sculpture tell a story. At the very top stands Tiriwa, the ancestor who gave his name to the entire region, Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa. Below him is Hape, the high priest of the Tainui canoe, who named many significant places in the area, including Titirangi and Piha. Next comes Hoturoa, the captain of the Tainui canoe, whose anxiety crossing the Manukau Harbour’s bar is reflected in its original name. The fourth figure is Maki, the ancestor from whom Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) takes its name. Following him is Te Kawerau a Maki, the namesake of the tribe. Finally, at the base, is Te Au o Te Whenua, who held the mana from Whatipu to Muriwai. From him, Te Kawerau a Maki derive their Mana Whenua status over this region.
The Arataki Visitor Centre, with the Arataki stone sculpture standing guard, serves as a “pathway to learning”. It welcomes around 165,000 visitors each year, sharing the conservation values and rich history of the Waitākere Ranges. The story of the Arataki stone sculpture is a story of resilience, respect, and the enduring connection between people and place. As you stand before it, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship, the history, and the mana it represents. The Arataki stone sculpture is more than just a sculpture. It is a living testament to the spirit of the Waitākere Ranges and the people who call it home.