Sculpture

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The Background History Here is the story about it. The artist is Pam Griffin who developed the concept (see the story) following discussions with children and the rest of the school community. She developed the story and the artwork that Trevor sculptured. The sculptor was Trevor Heighway (Pam's partner). They are from Waihi. www.artstonebone.co.nz is their website and you will see our sculpture featured there. 2005 was the year it was designed and sculptured and classes followed the progress on their computers. We were successful in receiving a trust fund to commission the work. They did the work in Waihi then trucked it over in two pieces. We had it blessed by all our main ethnic groups - see the programme of Events from 2005.



The Story...   A totara tree frames the beginning of life's path, rooted firmly in the earth, branches and leaves stretching towards the light.

The manaia (seahorse) as a symbol of Onehunga (people of the beach) is the kaitiaki (guardian) and instructor, his hand on his full puku (belly) showing 'plenty'. The manaia's woven lower body and tail flow out into the plaited strands of many different cultures and races, bringing diverse gifts of knowledge and fruits of culture and story telling.

Under the tree and manaia are the koru, representing the children and students, nutured growth, new beginnings and future hopes unfurling to fruition. Above is Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) with the hand representing the original tangata whenua, Wai Ohua, holding a tokotoko, a symbol of communication and listening.

Between the strands the Manaia's tail are fruits and flowers, fish and animals from around the world, the gifts of our planet Earth and sea.

Many different people from around the world have jorneyed across the sea to Onehunga, New Zealand. The middle woven strands flow into and out from the frigate bird, a symbol of migration across the Pacific Ocean to Aotearoa, New Zealand.

We have male and female Polynesian symbols - taro, lily leaves, turtle, frigate bird and frangipani flower to represent our Pacific Island neighbours. There are pears, tulips, grapes, citrus and Scotch thistle from Great Britain, Italy, Holland (Netherlands) and Europe; bananas from Ecuador and South America; an elephant from the African continent; a lutus from India; and a dragon from the Asian continent.

A New Zealand icon, the kiwi, is present, along with fish, gift of the sea of Onehunga.

Framing the opposing end is a palm tree of the Pacific set on the background of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

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