Pou Kapua Creations warmly welcomes you to our Global Kainga
our ever-increasing extended Whanau / Family who are passionate about supporting our peoples - Pacific, Maori and Indigenous from across the earth, islands and oceans of our wonderful planet.
Pou Kapua is recognised as the largest Māori / Pacific Pou / totem in the world, reaching over 80 feet in height and weighing more than 20 tonnes. Pou Kapua is carved from 2,000 year-old magnificent ancient Kauri from the forests of the northern iwi / tribes; 50,000 year-old swamp kauri; 1,000 year old totara; is supported with carved steel; and adorned with paua, pounamu, bone and crystal.
Pou Kapua has two kaitiaki / guardians - Moai named Hoahakananaia and Anakena, carved by expert sculptors from Rapa Nui (Easter Island). At the base of Pou Kapua stands mighty Tangaroa, the Guardian of the Ocean. Above him are Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother). Throughout Pou Kapua dozens of guardians and legendary figures are depicted, including Tane (Forest), Tawhirimatea (Winds), Tumatauenga (War), Ruaumoko (Volcanoes), Rongo (Peace), Haumiatiketike (Plants); Maui, Matakerepo, Tawhaki, Mahuika, Pele, and many more. We have stories of 'ohana', the taro providing the roots of family for the people of Hawaii; stories of Kanak of New Caledonia; Aboriginal dreamtime, Tlingit killer whales, and Cree warriors to name a few.
Threaded throughout Pou Kapua are the journeys and adventures of our ancestors, with Kupe at the top; fascinating legends and absorbing histories of our migrations throughout the magnificent Pacific Ocean. A spiritual rope of unity binds tribes and people together.
Carved at the top of Pou Kapua is the great explorer Kupe in the centre of two large tauihu (waka prow). Aboriginal Dreamtime Serpent, Rapa Nui Makemake, and Cree Warriors surround him. Matakerepo in regal purple says, “I am blind, yet I can see. From the past, ancient futures are revealed.” A visionary, she guides the intricate work of our Tohunga, Carvers, and Kainga Toi / Artists.