Kia ora koutou,
We had a great turnout for the Tauihu unveiling last Friday morning. The Tauihu has been the culmination of a lot of behind the scenes work on an essentially educational project that will benefit our community by telling the story of settlement in the Wairau.
The attached photos of Heemi Te Peeti (carver and designer) and Deedee Bancroft-Wickens (Project Manager) from the same site August last year and last Friday illustrates what is possible by a great team and supporters over a fairly short time span. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Marlborough District Council, Rātā Foundation, Pelorus Trust, WSP and Marlborough Lines for this unique project. The artistic collaboration between Heemi Te Peeti and innovation by Brent Rangitaawa (The Heavy Metal Company) to realise this beautifully designed Tauihu is a story for another day.
The tōtara carvings of Māui and Tūkauāe were cast in silicon bronze by Brent and his team. The internal figures and interpretation sign are laser cut corten steel. According to Brent, the pounamu patina (surface) applied to the bronze represents the sea migration and is made to look like it is carved from pounamu in the evening light and is spectacular. The interpretation signage was coordinated by Sonia Frimmel of Whats the Story Ltd. Trustees Peter Meihana and Riki Palatchie were instrumental in developing the engaging story for the interpretation panel. This is a new landmark for Wairau and one that we can all be very proud of.
The Trustees met over the weekend to discuss current issues, strategy and our priorities for the coming year. The hui was held away from distractions in shearing quarters at the headwaters of the Awatere, in the shadow of our maunga Tapuae-o-Uenuku. I would like to congratulate Janis and Calvin on their nomination to the role of Co-Chairs.
This week the office is focussing on the preparations for Te Tapuwaetahi o Rangitāne festival in Easter and planning for a busy and productive 2020. We are looking for as many volunteers as we can muster to help for the festival weekend so if you are planning on being in the Wairau Easter weekend and want to get involved please call Donna or Taylah in the office.
We are hosting a hui for Te Tau Ihu GM’s this week at Ūkaipō, part of a regular quarterly schedule to discuss mutual issues and opportunities.
Next week we will be presenting to Council on the proposed MDC Eastern Bays Access by-law. We are very interested in your perspective if you have strong views on this matter. Please contact me if you would like more detail or would like to make a submission to the trustees.
Mā te wā
Nick