Two original artworks will be installed in the Te Puna Memorial Hall foyer.

Both were created for the space by Que Bidois and Sam Allen.

Que’s images, called Te Pura, are going into the windows between the foyer and the main hall.

Sam’s piece, named “Sanctuary”, will fly in the void above the entrance area.

Both works were commissioned thanks to a gift by Te Puna identity Jo Gravit, who died in December 2023.

“Our mother always wanted an artwork for the new Te Puna Memorial Hall,” said Jonathan Gravit, who with his sisters Ro and Ginny have taken a keen interest in the project.

Ian Duncalf, chair of the Te Puna Hall Committee, is happy to see the idea in reality.

“The Te Puna Memorial Hall has always expressed the aspirations of its community,” Ian said.

One of the original artworks installed at Te Puna Memorial Hall called Te Pura.

“We think this exciting project reflects Te Puna’s landscape and the intentions of those who built our community Hall back in 1926.

“It’s an inspiration.”

The works require technical engineering skills and precision placement for their effect.

A karakia has been said over the working area on the morning of February 24, when a scissor lift and supporting tradespeople helped the artists install the works.

The public is welcome to attend the formal whakatau on Friday, February 28, when acknowledgement of the completion of the project, the artists, and their story, will be shown in full.

Attendees should enter the hall through the Supper Room door, at the southwest corner of the hall and sit in the main hall, for the ceremony’s 9am start.

Pirirakau elders will be on a paepae close to the foyer, which will be closed until the korero ends and the works are formally revealed.

“The first Te Puna Memorial Hall lasted nearly 100 years,” said Beth Bowden, whom Jo asked to co-ordinate the project.

“These artists have given the community two important and permanent public artworks for a hall designed to last for at least another century.”