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
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.
