How about a journey back in time? The Tauranga Waka Sculpture stands before us. These bronze waka emerge from the footpath. They mark Auckland’s original shoreline.
This is Tauranga Waka. It means the resting place of canoes. The artist is Chris Bailey.
Let’s delve into the story of this unique artwork. It is located on Beach Road in Auckland Central. But why are these waka here?
Before 1860 the shoreline was here. It was 200 metres inland from today’s shoreline. The earth was reclaimed between 1860 and 1880. It came from Tangihanga Pūkaea. Te Reuroa Pā once stood there.
Chris Bailey’s waka seem to rise from the footpath. They look as though they have been pulled up onto the beach. Notice the waka prows. They are not carved like waka taua war canoes. This simpler style is for fishing and collecting seafood. It is also for transporting produce.
These waka supported family life. They kept the people fed. The hulls were carved from totara first. Then they were cast in bronze. This ensures the artwork’s longevity.
The contemporary foreshore is now 200m away. Major land reclamation occurred in the 1860s-1880s. The earth came from the excavation of Tangihanga Pūkaea. This was Point Britomart. The pā Te Reuroa sat immediately above the Beach Road site.
Bailey hopes we have a higher consciousness now. He wants us to protect significant landforms. He also wants us to respect cultural footprints.
The positioning of these Tauranga Waka reminds us of two things. First the original foreshore lies under the pavement. Second it highlights the rich Māori maritime history of the area.
Māori from many iwi came from all over Tīkapa Moana Hauraki Gulf. They came from Waiheke and other places. They brought supplies to support the local population of Tāmaki Makaurau. Bailey hopes this work reminds us of that coming together. Māori from all over Tāmaki Makaurau worked constructively and peacefully.
Bailey was awarded the commission in 2016. It followed a detailed selection process. Local iwi and Auckland Council were involved. Other artists were also invited to submit proposals. The artwork was funded via the City Centre Targeted Rate.
So next time you pass by Tauranga Waka take a moment. Remember the original shoreline. Reflect on the rich Māori maritime history. Consider the coming together of different iwi. The Tauranga Waka is a reminder of Auckland’s past and a symbol of unity.