Have you seen the new additions that have been placed around the Mauao?

The recent addition of new sculptures on Mauao has sparked excitement and appreciation among locals and visitors alike.

These stunning pieces of incredible cultural significance have been placed on the Mauao as part of the Mauao Placemaking project.

The Mauao Placemaking project, also known as Te Mahere Whakamahinga o Mauao, is a collaborative initiative between Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao (the Mauao Joint Administration Board) and Mauao Trust.

“Tauranga City Council is a member of Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao and helps support projects which share the rich history and stories of Mauao with the community and manuhiri (visitors),” says Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao chairman Dean Flavell.

“In partnership, these projects are a means to celebrate and promote the mana, identity and significance of Mauao through messaging which reflects the connection between Mauao and Tauranga Moana iwi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pūkenga, and Waitaha.

“Tangata whenua have shared Mauao with all who visit him, a shared vision captured by the proverb ‘Te whai te ara o te kotahitanga e taea ai e te katoa te tuku koha mai’ (pursuing the unity of purpose and direction where all are able and encouraged to contribute).

A map featuring the kōhatu locations (from left to right: the beach near Te Kawa, Karewa Hairpin, Te Toka a Tirikawa). Photo supplied: Kyle Bryant.

“This project is essential in ensuring that Mauao is protected, conserved, and appropriately enhanced as a taonga of exceptional cultural, spiritual, historic, and natural significance whilst providing for managed public access and use.

“As part of Te Mahere Whakamahinga o Mauao, over the past 18 or so months, many cultural touchpoints have been added to the maunga, including:

-Wayfinding and interpretation signage, which shares the ecological significance and cultural narrative of Mauao.

-New seating, which provides an opportunity for our community to reflect and connect with this iconic taonga.

-The cultural compass, located at the summit of the maunga. This features a pounamu touchstone at the centre, allowing people the opportunity to participate in protecting Te Manawataki o Mauao (the heartbeat and rhythm). The cultural compass at Te Tihi o Mauao features touch points of significant cultural importance to the area. The rings, which radiate out from the compass, identify significant landmarks and islands that connect Mauao to Te Moana nui a Kiwa (Pacific Ocean) and highlight select stars and markers used by early navigators. The first part of the cultural compass was unveiled during the Tauranga Moana Matariki celebrations in 2022.

-In addition, Te Arataki o Mauao - a digital application that shares stories (via smartphone) about Mauao - is helping visitors to understand and experience Mauao in a new way.

“As part of Te Mahere Whakamahinga o Mauao, there will be a total of six stone carvings (kōhatu whakairo) across the maunga, including Karewa, Te Toka a Tirikawa, Te Puna Waitapu, Waikorire entrance, the beach near Te Kawa and Rangiwhakaoma entrance.”

Dean says, that on Thursday, March 7, three kōhatu were settled on Mauao.

“Weighing around two tonnes each, these kōhatu sculptures have been homed at the beach near Te Kawa, the Karewa Hairpin and Te Toka a Tirikawa (please see attached map for locations).

“The sculptor for these pieces is Takutaimoana (Pete) Harawira, from Whakatāne and of Ngāti Awa descent.”

Each kōhatu represents different themes, he says.

Three sculptures being lifted into place. Photo supplied: Kyle Bryant.

“The anchor stone at the beach near Te Kawa represents the destination and arrival of our waka tētē and our connection to Te Awanui, Tauranga Harbour.

“The carved stone at the Karewa Hairpin shares the story of Taurikura.

“The kōhatu at Te Toka a Tirikawa represents a kotiate (handheld weapon) associated with enduring and standing strong.

“Their story is not prescriptive and will evolve as we hear different iwi members' interpretations of these pieces.

“The naming and blessing of these kōhatu will follow after they have rested for a period in their hau kāinga (home).

“More cultural touchpoints will be added to Mauao in coming months, these will include pou and tomokanga (entry posts), marking the entrance to the maunga on both the beach and harbour sides of the maunga.

“Ko Mauao te Maunga, ko Tauranga te Moana. Mauao is the mountain, and Tauranga is the sea.”