Setting Sun

A statue of Wairaka against the setting sun on the last day of staying in my home town of Whakatane.

Those of you who have followed my journal for a while will already know the story, but here it is for those who don't - it goes like this:

This bronze statue atop Turuturu Rock, lies at the mouth of the Whakatane River and commemorates the bravery of Wairaka and the daughter of Toroa, captain-navigator of the Mataatua waka. When the Mataatua waka first arrived at Whakatane 600 years ago, the men left the women alone in the canoe while they went ashore.  When the canoe started to drift back to sea, Wairaka (defying the tapu that forbade women to handle a canoe) seized the paddle and brought the waka back to shore crying 'Kia Whakatane au i ahau' - I will act the part of a man.  This cry is said to the origin of the towns' name.

Every year I blip Wairaka, she's been a part of my life for many years. We learnt about her at school, our family spent most Sunday afternoons down at 'The Heads' where she stands on this rock often with a seagull perched on her head. She is looking up the Whakatane River towards the evening lights of Whakatane - a poignant way to end my stay.