TE KAUPAPA
Te Wakaminenga Bridge, Pāhūhū, Kaeo
Almost 120 years on from the first opening of the Kaeo bridge in 1906 we can now celebrate the opening of a new bridge. Not only is this new bridge significant in terms of the infrastructure that will improve access and increase safety for people travelling through, but it has also been an opportunity to visually embed some of the pūrakau of this place for all to enjoy. The mahi toi that adorns the new bridge welcomes everyone, tāngata whenua, tāngata tiriti and manuhiri, to experience all that this beautiful place has to offer.
The area where the bridge crosses the awa o Kaeo, Waikare, is named Pāhūhū. This name describes the nature of the land and acknowledges its steep and rocky hillsides, which in wet weather was known to cause rock movement and landslides. The area of Pāhūhū is one of abundance and is long thought of as an ideal resting place for weary travellers to be replenished by the plentiful fish stocks, bird life and plant life. Not to mention its prime location amongst the maunga, moana, and awa, allowing easy access for those navigating their way through the many valleys of the rohe. Its significance is further highlighted because it is also where the fresh waters of the inland rivers meet the sea waters that come up from the tidal waters of Whangaroa.
In the same ways the freshwater and saltwater meet at Pāhūhū so too do people meet or farewell Kaeo as they cross the bridge. Some of those people may be returning and others may be arriving for the first time. As they do this it is important they are not only greeted by the glimpse of Whangaroa moana you can see but that they also feel the presence of the kaitiaki in this place and the mana of this whenua. Our histories and stories of this place are one of the ways we can manaaki all those who live, visit, or travel through this place.
KUPU TUKU IHO
TAONGA TUKU IHO
A group of ringatoi nō Whangaroa have enhanced the infrastructure with designs that reflect some of the taonga tuku iho within this place. Through this mahi toi it is intended that those who travel the road will recognise it as more than a place to race through and instead feel invited to stop and engage in the kōrero behind the designs and whakapapa of this area.
The designs can be seen in the centre of the roundabout and along the concrete barrier on the side of the roundabout. They speak to some of the foundational history, kōrero, people and kaitiaki of this rohe which only gets richer and deeper as you move further into the rohe and hear from the many dynamic hapū of this area. It is difficult to truly arrive somewhere in peace without invitation or at least careful consideration of what or who you will be arriving to. The phrase ‘He wenua Rangatira’ connects back to text in He Whakaputanga and was foundational in how the relationship between the Rangatira of Whangaroa and the Crown was set. For those moving through Pāhūhū this phrase reflects the ongoing generosity and manaakitanga of hapū in the area, who without diminishing their mana motuhake, allow access to their places for all to enjoy.
The designs on either side of the text along the wall are named Kāruhiruhi, Takitoru and Aramoana.
NGĀ TAUIRA
These patterns acknowledge the marae, hapū, and whakapapa of Whaingaroa/Whangaroa going into the future. The pattern of Kāruhiruhi refers to the Kāruhiruhi, also known as the ‘pied shag’ and its form follows the shape of the bird when its standing tall and wings are spread. An important kaitiaki for this area, the kāruhiruhi was spotted watching over the construction work on the bridge which is now permanently reflected in the markings that can be seen on the wall. The Takitoru pattern was chosen to reflect the many ways the people of Whangaroa embrace manuhiri as whānau and reminds us of our power when we come together. Lastly, the Aramoana pattern on the edges represents the mana moana of Whangaroa and the multiple maunga of Whangaroa. These three patterns all illustrate the integral components to enacting the phrase ‘he wenua Rangatira’, in the acknowledgement, respect, and care for all those components there is safe passage for all through these lands.
The designs in the centre of the roundabout draw inspiration from the awa o Kaeo, Waikare. The Pūhoro design embodies the notions of strength and speed often necessary in times of change and transition. The triangular patterns are called Aronui and depict where change occurs and encourages us to all pursue positive change in our communities and places. After two and a half years of mahi and thanks to the contributions of many people we can all now utilise Whangaroa’s first ever roundabout. This change in our place is a testament to the hardwork and dedication of many people who shared their mātauranga, time and energy, who can now all share in the success and completion of the project.
The new bridge, and the taonga tuku iho embedded in the designs that adorn it, encourage us all to think about how we greet and farewell these beautiful and important places. Although the bridge allows us safe and easy passage to pass through this area, how might we do more than just pass through? Perhaps we will slow just enough to read the phrase ‘He wenua Rangatira’ and feel at peace in this place, protected by the manaakitanga of the many hapū in the area. Or maybe the form of kāruhiruhi will draw our attention to the edges of the awa in hopes of spotting these precious kaitiaki. Nevertheless in its simplest form, this mahi toi reminds us all of the richness of this place, our people, the stories and the histories we all can share when we properly land and rest within them.