Te Kōpu Mānia o Kirikiriroa Marae Carvings
Wintec’s marae features an array of carvings, designed and created by Tainui master carver Warren McGrath, Ngāti Raukawa, a former Wintec student.
The carvings are made from both traditional and modern materials including tōtora, concrete and stainless steel.
Waka Maumahara (Memorial Pillar)
Pou-tūā-rangi (Internal Wharenui Post)
Pou-tūā-rongo - Tawhaki - Internal Wharenui Post
Waka Maumahara (Memorial Pillar)
On the marae ātea (courtyard) is 7.5 metre pou (pillar) in the form of a waka (canoe).
This is the waka maumahara (memorial pillar) which faces Taupiri mountain. At the top of the waka maumahara stands the native kaahu (hawk) representing the Māori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
Below this are five niho taniwha, a pattern representing the five Māori kings.
- Pōtatau
- Tāwhiao
- Mahuta
- Te Rata
- Korokī.
Learning and knowledge are symbolised with manaia and matakupenga patterns through the centre, with the pūhoro design representing the Waikato River. [top]
Pou Whakarae (Pillars)
Pou-tūā-rangi (Internal Wharenui Post)
The pou-tūā-rangi (internal wharenui post) near the entrance represents Wintec values.
- Mahi tahi - Working together
- Whakaaro whanui - Challenge and innovation
- Manaaki tangata - Customer focus
- Kia Tika - Taking ownership
- Kia tupu, kia hua - Improvement and opportunity
- Whakamana i te tangata - Valuing people
It has been carved in tōtara from a tree which used to stand on Wintec city campus. Behind the pou-tua-rangi is a tukutuku panel from the original Wintec wharenui, Te Kākano a te Kaahu. [top]
Pou-tūā-rongo - Tawhaki - Internal Wharenui Post
Located on the back wall of the wharenui the pou-tūā-rongo is a carving of Tawhaki who received the baskets of knowledge (ngā kete wananga).
Tawhaki is featured looking towards the doorway and the world of light. This was also carved in tōtara from a tree which use to stand on Wintec’s city campus.
Tomokanga ( Gateway Entrance)
The entrance designs welcome people from around the world of Wintec.
The sub-tribes (hapū) of this area are shown welcoming visitors onto the marae in a central carving at the entrance.
Pare and Whakawae (Doorway Lintels)