Pou Taki

The Taki looks out to sea to greet you as you approach Kororareka/Russell. He offers a challenge to our manuhiri or visitors as they arrive in our historic town, asking: ‘Do you come with good intentions?’ He welcomes you to our whenua but challenges you to please respect our land, our ocean, and the people of the North. He reminds us of the proud Māori history of this meeting place that thrived for hundreds of years and long before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. It continues to thrive today. He raises his taiaha to offer the greeting and challenge, while behind his back his patu or club is ready to defend what is important, if required. The Taki has beautiful detail carved into the spear of his taiaha including the wings and feathers of the Kororā, the little Blue Penguin after which our town is named. He looks down to the marae to acknowledge and remember his tupuna or ancestors.  We hope he will give those who see him a chance to reflect on the challenges we all face in our own personal daily lives as we look back to our history and look forward to building a shared and inclusive future together.

A collaborative community project led by Kororareka marae with the support of Russell Wharf Trust and Far North Holding Ltd. Kaiwhakairo/Carver Tony Makiha.