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Te Kōpu Mānia o Kirikiriroa Marae Carvings

Wintec’s marae features an array of carvings, designed and created by Tainui master carver Warren McGrath, Ngāti Raukawa, a former Wintec student.

The carvings are made from both traditional and modern materials including tōtora, concrete and stainless steel.

Waka Maumahara (Memorial Pillar)

Pou Whakarae (Pillars)

Pou-tūā-rangi (Internal Wharenui Post)

Pou-tūā-rongo - Tawhaki - Internal Wharenui Post

Tomokanga (Gateway Entrance)

Pare and Whakawae (Doorway Lintels)

Kōrupe (Window Lintel)

Waka Maumahara (Memorial Pillar)

Waka-Maumahara at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

On the marae ātea (courtyard) is 7.5 metre pou (pillar) in the form of a waka (canoe).

This is the waka maumahara (memorial pillar) which faces Taupiri mountain. At the top of the waka maumahara stands the native kaahu (hawk) representing the Māori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

Waka Maumahara at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

Below this are five niho taniwha, a pattern representing the five Māori kings.

  • Pōtatau
  • Tāwhiao
  • Mahuta
  • Te Rata
  • Korokī.

Learning and knowledge are symbolised with manaia and matakupenga patterns through the centre, with the pūhoro design representing the Waikato River. [top]

Pou Whakarae (Pillars)

Pou Whakarae at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

Near the waka maumahara (memorial pillar ) are seven smaller pou whakarae (pillars) which symbolise the star cluster Matariki (Pleiades).

Pou Whakarae at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

This star cluster is significant to Māori and Tainui culture. [top]

 

Pou-tūā-rangi (Internal Wharenui Post)

Pou tua rangi at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

The pou-tūā-rangi (internal wharenui post) near the entrance represents Wintec values.

  • Mahi tahi - Working together
  • Whakaaro whanui - Challenge and innovation
  • Manaaki tangata - Customer focus
  • Kia Tika - Taking ownership
  • Kia tupu, kia hua - Improvement and opportunity
  • Whakamana i te tangata - Valuing people

It has been carved in tōtara from a tree which used to stand on Wintec city campus. Behind the pou-tua-rangi is a tukutuku panel from the original Wintec wharenui, Te Kākano a te Kaahu. [top]

Pou-tūā-rongo - Tawhaki - Internal Wharenui Post

Pou tua rongo at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

Located on the back wall of the wharenui the pou-tūā-rongo is a carving of Tawhaki who received the baskets of knowledge (ngā kete wananga).

Tawhaki is featured looking towards the doorway and the world of light. This was also carved in tōtara from a tree which use to stand on Wintec’s city campus.

Tomokanga ( Gateway Entrance)

Tomokanga at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

The entrance designs welcome people from around the world of Wintec.

The sub-tribes (hapū) of this area are shown welcoming visitors onto the marae in a central carving at the entrance.

Tomokanga at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

Mātauranga Māori and part of the creation story of Tainui are also represented in the carvings. [top]

 

Pare and Whakawae (Doorway Lintels)

Whakawae at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

Above the wharenui pare (doorway) are three figures, nga kete wānanga representing the three baskets of knowledge. Part of the creation story of Tainui is also told in the designs.

Whakawae at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

Manaia and takarangi patterns symbolise growth and development. The textured ngao matariki pattern on the sides of the doorway (whakawae) represents the welcoming of the cultures and peoples of the world. [top]

 

Kōrupe (Window Lintel)

Korupe at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

The taniwha Tuheitia is carved on the window lintel (kōrupe) above the front window of Te Kākano a te Kaahu, along with ngao matariki and manaia designs.

Korupe at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa marae

Tuheitia holds guardianship of the Waipa river and was regarded with awe and respect.

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