Te Manu Ka Rewa stands as a testament to the power of unity. This magnificent sculpture embodies the spirit of Manurewa. It was unveiled at the Manurewa Library in December. The sculpture’s name, meaning “the bird that is elevated,” was given by Te Huia Cowell. The name is inspired by a whakatauki: “Maa te kahukura ka rere te manu,” meaning “It is through the feathers that the bird takes flight.”
Te Manu Ka Rewa is a striking 4-meter-high creation by Jadyn Flavell, a Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua artist. The sculpture’s design is a beautiful blend of traditional Māori art and modern elements. At its heart are hand-carved figures made from Totara kauri, a gift from Flavell’s late grandfather, the carver George Flavell. These figures represent three generations of ancestors: Waiohua Chief Huarangi at the base, his first son Tamapahure in the middle, and his second son Tamapahore at the top. The figures tell the story of Tamapahore and his kite, the very tale from which Manurewa derives its name.
Encasing the ancestral figures is a Corten steel frame shaped like a matuku (bittern bird). This bird once inhabited the Waiohua paa sites of Matukutuureia and Matukutuururu, also symbolized in the artwork. Crowning the sculpture is a manuaute (traditional kite) depicting Te Atua Uenuku, the rainbow god, as if soaring into the sky. The face of the kite portrays Taawhirimatea, the god of weather. The underside of the kite’s wings showcases patterns representing the diverse communities of Manurewa, guided by the ngaa Atua (gods). Ten stars also adorn the wings, symbolizing Rehua (Father) and the Matariki stars, Matariki (Mother), and her eight children, as recognized by Ngaati Te Ata.
Te Manu Ka Rewa serves as a powerful reminder of Manurewa’s rich history and cultural heritage. The artist, Jadyn Flavell, aimed to create a piece that celebrates the importance of community and diversity. The artwork’s central message resonates with the proverb that inspired its name: just as a bird needs every feather working together to take flight, a community needs every individual to thrive. At night, Te Manu Ka Rewa transforms. Programmable lighting illuminates different elements, bringing the sculpture to life and telling various aspects of its story. This dynamic display adds another layer to the artwork’s beauty and meaning, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the rich cultural narrative it represents.