There’s now a powerful artistic presence on the walls of our Richmond Council Chamber, with creations by our kaimahi (staff) and Golden Bay artist Robin Slow taking pride of place.
Robin’s ‘mapi’ of the rohe of Parapara depicts the journey of wai from the maunga to the moana, flowing out to sea from the aquifer and extension of Waikoropupū springs.
The work features a manu (bird) that references the larger area of Mohua/Golden Bay, as well as motifs that represent the plant life, the manu, and present-day farming practices.
A pou references the whānau of the rohe, based on a drawing by Codrington recorded in 1860 of a pou that stood at Pariwhakaoho.
The whenua forming taniwha of Ngārarahuarau and Te Kaiwhakaruaki are also featured – the guardians and protectors of the kōkōwai (red stone) that comes from the maunga.
As part of celebrating te wiki o te reo Māori last year, our kaimahi participated in creating a collaborative tukutuku piece. Tukutuku is a Māori latticework artform that describes pūrākau (stories).
The pattern chosen is a double poutama, this is a stepped pattern that symbolises whakapapa (genealogy) and various levels of learning and achievement. It is associated with the pūrākau of Tāne and his pursuit of the three kete of knowledge for humankind.
On his journey, Tāne faces many trials and tribulations and is thwarted many times in his attempts to attain this mātauranga, however, he persists.
Overcoming difficulties and providing for humankind is symbolic of the work we do in Council to work together for the benefit of our community.
