Te Iringa

On a little road trip to the Waikato. Stopped at the Te Iringa scientific reserve alongside the relatively new expressway. Main and extra show details of the waka sculptures. Text from the information panel follows:

This cluster of four waka-maumahara (canoe cenotaphs) commemorates historical events that took place near Te Iringa Lagoon.

The mokomoko (lizards) seen on two of the waka-maumahara symbolise two brothers, Tapaue and Wharetipeti, grandsons of Mahuta who once ruled over this area.

Waka-maumahara were once a common sight in the Tainui tribal region. During the 1840s, English artist George Angus passed through the area and painted many such cenotaphs.

These waka-maumahara were created in concrete at a similar size to traditional waka (canoe). The holes along their length represent the holes on a waka where the rauawa (carved top strakes) are lashed.

Artist: Te Waamu McGrath