Kaitiakitanga o Pou Kapua – Care and Conservation
The puawaitanga (opening ceremony) of Pou Kapua occurred in 2005. Since that time Pou Kapua Creations has been able to do some ongoing maintenance, cleaning, oiling, and painting every year to a few metres high. However, after more than 14 years of exposure to the harsh New Zealand sun, wind, and rain, it was time for Pou Kapua to have a major ‘makeover’. Pou Kapua Creations were able to complete an extensive programme of maintenance and conservation - starting with entirely scaffolding Pou Kapua – up to seven levels! The work included cutting out parts that had surface rot (e.g. from water damage) and re-carving them. We totally sanded and repainted Pou Kapua applying a coat of primer, two coats of base colour, and additional specialist paints for artistic rendering. We repaired any damage to the swamp kauri base and oiled it once the Aboriginal, Kanak, and Cree paintings were completed. We were also able to bring back our Rapa Nui friends, master sculptors Tomas and Luis to restore the Rapa Nui carvings including the two majestic moai who stand as guardians of Pou Kapua.
Wikuki standing with Pou Kapua in Manukau, Auckland
Pou Kapua works with Whaotapu (Sacred Chisels) Tamaki Makaurau
Pou Kapua Creations works closely with Whaotapu Trust Tohunga and Kainga Toi on several projects including carving new works such as ‘Taniwha meets the Dragon’ for Hyatt Regency Auckland; four pou for the Ramada Hotel; and creating artworks for whanau, hapu, iwi, kura, schools, and a broad range of organisations, businesses and community groups. They collaborate on the delivery of carving and arts wananga such as hoe / paddle / weapons creative workshops. Pou Kapua Creations supports the work of Whaotapu to conserve dozens of Maori taonga and artworks across the Auckland Region. They work together in their Toi Maori Carving Studio (created with four containers) based at Corbans Estate Arts Centre at 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland NZ (see the video at right).
Current Project: Global Reach Initiative & Development (GRID Pacific)
The Global Reach Initiative & Development (GRID) Pacific Team, in collaboration with our global partner tech giant Google Earth and Street View, aim to transform Pacific Islands into 21st century powerhouses. With the latest technologies for Google Street View, the GRID Pacific Team captures panoramic high-resolution imagery, accurate 3D depth information, and GPS and GIS location data that is interfaced with Google Maps and displayed in Google Earth. Through the Global Reach Initiative & Development (GRID) Programme, ‘whole of country’ solutions are provided the support each country's vision and heritage, showcasing the beauty and charisma of the nation’s culture, landscapes, oceans, people, and their unique languages to the world. It will bring families and friends together from anywhere in the world back to their local villages, vaka, and favourite beaches.
For more information about our GRID Pacific initiative, visit www.gridpacific.com
Darcy in Tonga, Google Street View
Current Project: Kirikowhai Group - Healing Waters, Sacred Lands
The Kirikowhai Group - Healing Waters, Sacred Lands Project is to restore, protect, and enhance the vitality and beauty of the Waikato, including waahi tapu (sacred sites), sites of significance, and puna sites (springs) identified by local whanau, hapu, and iwi. Sites will be acknowledged with carved Pou and I-Pou VRAR Experiences. Eco-sourced native plants will be established, and high-quality fencing of sites and riparian zones will ensure decades of protection.
For more information about our Kirikowhai Group Project visit our website www.kirikowhai.com
For further information about us and what we do please read our Kirikowhai Group Blueprint for Transformation and Profile
For more information about our Tohunga Wikuki Kingi and some of our projects - check out his portfolio