Specially conceived artworks by master carver of Ngati Whatua and Ngapuhi descent, Whare Thompson, are being unveiled at Thirty Eight Elizabeth | Elizabeth Towers.  

The two by three metre work called ‘Māra Kūmara’ takes centre stage in the now completed concierge, which is the entrance to the luxury residential offering of 96 high-end apartments and 23 luxury townhouses.

The integrated lighting in the artwork creates a dramatic effect, providing a striking impression and warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors to and residents of the exclusive address.

“Māra Kūmara depicts the kūmara garden, which traditionally consisted of puke (mounds) arranged in rows,” explains Whare.

“Kūmara were planted in alternating mounds with sufficient space to allow even sunlight. The design consists of two kowhaiwhai vines coming together that are representative of Rongomātāne, the god of cultivated plants and Pani, the mother of the kūmara.

“The negative space in between are the Kūmara. The introduction of light represents the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar and the stars and constellations associated with the cultivation of kūmara. Those stars are Matariki (the Pleiades), Tautoru (three bright stars in the Belt of Orion), Puanga (Rigel), Whakaahu (Castor) and Whanui (Vega).”

Whare Thompson and the Māra Kūmara artwork. Photo: Supplied.

The artwork is unveiled as the Thirty Eight Elizabeth | Elizabeth Towers development hits several milestones, including a significant amount of scaffold removed with more to be taken down over the coming weeks; the imminent installation of the Italian pool; and the near completion of the townhouses around the podium Sky Garden level, which will be home to a world-class leisure space including the pool, spa, gym, residents’ lounge, barbeque areas, and gardens.

The apartments and townhouses are set to go on sale this year. Elizabeth Towers is founded on a vision that will transform how we think about luxury living in New Zealand and is a national first with its mixed-use facilities: live, shop, and dine in one spectacular location.

The $200 million+ development has signalled a rebirth in the heart of Tauranga city, acting as a catalyst for other major surrounding investments in buildings, amenities and infrastructure projects.

Other artworks by Whare Thomson blessed and celebrated today at Thirty Eight Elizabeth | Elizabeth Towers included the piece ‘Manākitanga’ or ‘Hospitable’, located along the façade of the Farmers store on street level on Devonport Road.

Photo: Supplied.

“This artwork titled ‘Manākitanga’ depicts the value of manākitanga, representing the responsibility and reciprocity to provide hospitality and protection and emphasising the process of showing respect, generosity, and care for others,” says Whare.

“Fostering and supporting other people’s culture and identity as individuals. The design consists of a continuous Manawa (Heart) line and kowhaiwhai pattern that represents Mana Whenua (people of the land) and their connection to the land.

“The three notches represent the three Iwi of Tauranga Moana. Alternating kowhaiwhai pattern are representative of Tauiwi (non- Māori). The reflection of the design represents the values of manākitanga which are reciprocated throughout all communities and passed on to our next generation.”