Beneath our feet flows a hidden river. That river is the Waihorotiu. Here stands Waiatahia Sculpture. It’s not just a sculpture. It’s an interactive experience that connects us to nature, history, and each other.
Waiatahia Sculpture sits in the Mayoral Drive underpass. It’s part of the renovated Myers Park. This space once felt barren and grey. Now it thrums with life. It invites us to remember water. The Māori word “Waimahara” encourages reflection on water.
Look up. Notice the tuna trapped in hīnaki. These are suspended from the roof. Shifting sheets of aquamarine plastic simulate the flow of a river. The sheets are called Kaynemaile. Lord of the Rings art director Kayne Horsham created them.
Listen closely. Soothing sounds fill the air. You can hear wind, taonga puoro, and tūī song. These sounds come from hidden speakers. The sounds and lights change constantly. This creates a space that is never the same.
Waiatahia reacts to people nearby. It changes with the wind and weather. The lights and audio shift in response. The installation can even be reprogrammed for special events. A Matariki light show is an example.
Graham Tipene is the lead artist. He wants people to learn about nature and Auckland’s history. He hopes to motivate people to protect the environment. He says this is more fun than sitting in a classroom.
Tipene wants visitors to connect to this place. He encourages people to sit and listen. He wants them to use their senses. Waiatahia activates all your senses except taste. Tipene says it is a place to “whakarongo”. That means readying your senses.
The magic of Waiatahia goes further. You can sing to it. Two waiata were composed for the sculpture. They were created by Moeahi Kerehoma, Tarumai-i-Tawhiti Kerehoma-Hoani, and Tuirina Wehi. The waiata speak to the importance of water. The waiata connect to Te Waihorotiu.
When you sing the waiata. The soundscape and lightscape respond. They ripple with energy and emotion. The artwork sings along with you. It creates a theatrical experience. It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced.
Tarumai-i-Tawhiti Kerehoma-Hoani says singing with the artwork is special. It feels lonely at first. Then the system awakens. It starts to sing along. It takes you to another space.
The waiata are easy to learn. They were designed for everyone. Even those new to te reo Māori can sing them. The goal was to make the lyrics easy to catch.
Waiatahia also helps with flood control. A natural rain catchment is nearby. During heavy rain, it drains a huge amount of water. This prevents flooding.
Waiatahia is part of Auckland’s reindigenisation. It brings back historic narratives and names. It ensures they are never lost. The nearby Waihorotiu train station shares this connection. It invokes the same awa.
Tipene encourages visitors to touch the space. He wants them to feel it. This underpass was once dingy. Now it’s a cultural attraction. It’s a must-see.
Waiatahia is a place to remember water. It honors the cultural contribution. It reminds us of our place in the environment. It is a world-first exhibition. It sings along with its audience.