Dynamic library sculpture installed
Ngā Hau e Whā
Last Saturday, Takaka Memorial Library’s imposing new sculpture, Ngā Hau e Whā, was blessed by representatives of Manawhenua ki Mohua and the Onetahua Marae whanau. Kaumatua John Ward-Holmes paid tribute to the combined work of the womenand men who made the sculpture happen.
The sculpture, a dynamic piece depicting four kites, was the work of Te Awhi Rito, the weaving group based at Onetahua Marae. Sculptor Jocelynne Bacci was the driving force of the design, but said that “heaps of people contributed to the final work.”
The four kites symbolise the four winds (ngā hau e whā) and the diverse peoples who have come from all over the world to make up the culture of our community. The four different locally- sourced rocks in which the kites are anchored add further symbolic significance to the work.
“Kites and the gentle art of kiting feature in many cultures,” said Jocelynne. “They were seen as relatively useless objects in the early western world but they later fired up inventor’s imaginations with the possibilities of human flight. Kites have been used in ceremonies and rituals and for practical purposes like fishing by lots of nationalities over the centuries. A sky filled with kites is an inspiration to the spirit. They’re reminiscent of childhood, freedom and play.”
The library staff, the Golden Bay Community Board and Tasman District Council were also represented at the blessing. Speaking on behalf of the library staff, Doris Sadlowski said that she hoped the kites would catch the wind that would blow understanding, inspiration and good ideas through the library.
On behalf of the community board Leigh Gamby thanked the district council and the arts council for devoting funds to such a significant piece of public art.
Cr Noel Riley congratulated everyone who had been involved in the work and spoke of the spirit of co-operation that had produced it.
Neil Wilson
