New pou on Rakiura part of wayfinding experience across Murihiku Southland

This pou at Lee Bay on Rakiura Stewart Island represents the Matariki star Tupuārangi, which is associated with everything that grows above the earth.

The pou, created by James York and Keri Whaitiri, is one of a series of artworks being erected around Murihiku Southland in a joint project involving Te Ao Mārama (an agency which works for Murihiku Rūnanga in the local government and resource management sphere) and Southland District Council.

The pou represent each of the prominent stars in the Matariki cluster and Puaka, which heralds Matahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year.  Steve Solomon has also been involved in creating the artworks along with James York and Keri Whaitiri.

Dean Whaanga, Manager of Te Ao Mārama, says the objective is to create a wayfinding experience throughout Southland encouraging travellers to journey from one town to the next to see the artworks and read the stories of the area and how the stars relate to the landscape.

Dean says the pou have been created out of metal and other durable materials to ensure they can withstand the elements and remain on the landscape for a long time.

“It was fantastic to see the local community on Rakiura gathering at the Tupuārangi pou at Lee Bay for a hautapu ceremony at dawn on the morning of the Matariki public holiday as this was exactly the kind of thing the pou were designed for,” Dean says.

Corey Bragg, Project Manager from Awarua Rūnaka, says that James explained the significance of the pou and how the design incorporates the ‘hākuai’, a kaitiaki bird from the tītī islands.

“We all grew up hearing stories of the hākuai from our taua and pōua,” Corey says.

“During the ceremony at Lee Bay, looking up at this beautiful pou with the hākuai certainly reminds you of those special times shared with whānau, and those loved ones that have passed,” he says.

“It was such a special day for our whānau and the community of Rakiura,” Corey says.

We would like to acknowledge photographer Jason Hosking for capturing these beautiful images of the pou at Lee Bay during the Matariki weekend.

To see where the other pou are located around Murihiku, visit Home | Matahi o Te Tau