Artist James York (left) and Ross Hemera in front of the
entranceway they created at Puketeraki marae in Karitane.
Photo By Gerard O'Brien.
An elaborate entranceway at Puketeraki marae, at
Karitane, showing the skills of three Ngai Tahu artists, was
installed on Saturday after years of planning.
Runanga manager Suzanne Ellison said the entranceway was
symbolic of the three messenger birds, the albatross, kea and
morepork, and welcomed people to the marae, encouraging them
to tell their stories.
Its completion, along with the mahau, or ceiling of the
entrance to the marae, also brought to an end stage two of
the marae's redevelopment, with focus now turning to the
inside.
Last November, the carvings on the front of the marae were
unveiled.
A ceremony with prayer was attended by dozens of members of
the community yesterday.
The artists, James York, of Brighton, Ross Hemera, of
Wellington, and Jenny Rendall, of Christchurch, were anxious
to see how their individual efforts fitted together.
Mr York said the work, unlike creating a piece for exhibition
or sale, had been a "long journey" as it was imperative that
the runanga were involved in the decision-making process.
He had spent about 16 weeks using traditional methods to
create the "wings" of the entranceway, which were supposed to
emulate those of an albatross.
There was pressure to not only please the community but to
live up to the standards of ancestors, he said.
Mr Hemera said planning for the project had started at least
five years ago.
The project was a great way for Ngai Tahu artists to connect,
he said.
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