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Sculpture proposed for entrance to Kerikeri


One of the objectives of the recent address by Professor James Renwick was to raise awareness of the proposed entrance way sculpture into Kerikeri, Waipapa and the surrounding Bay of Islands which Te Runanga o Ngati Rehia have invited local Kerikeri sculptor Chris Booth to design.

The sculpture named Te Haa o Te Ao (The Breath of the World) is aimed at raising awareness in locals and visitors about the greatest threat humanity is facing: climate change.

It will be 10m tall with 55 locally sourced boulders simulating Poi that are suspended from a central Pou by stainless steel cables (see image). The cables will reflect the light of the sun and make music in the wind.

The Pou will be topped by a sculpture by Tuauahiroa Hei Hei made of cast metal in the form of the three heads of three native birds, the kahu (hawk) facing southwards towards oncoming traffic, the tui facing west into the bush and the kawau (shag) facing seawards.