New Reception Desk Whakairo

Whakairo by Bodie Taylor

Umu Tawa or Gathering of Tawa: Umu (oven) represents the central theme of the reception desk and the tawa (Beilschmiedea tawa) is the timber of the reception desk. Umu tawa also represents the stream that flows from the Southern Enclosure, and the many Tawa that are represented on our maunga. 

Stylistic Manaia, Pakati, Haehae, uunaunahi, ritorito, koowhaiwhai depict the various integrated concepts of sharing the mauri and mana of the maunga.

Water, air, fire, earth, and ether are etched into the timber to invoke the right environment for success. The mauri of the maunga is unquestionable, so we have carved the symbol to represent the contracting and/or expanding of this force through Tane's domain. The sun and moon represent the inspiration and power symbolised in the central kauri piece, which is aimed at denoting light. Overall, the piece is encapsulated in this takutaku or incantation: