‘The Crown call it minerals; we call it Mauri’

One of the biggest threats to the people and the environment of Whangaroa is mining.

This threat is not new to Whangaroa. In fact, the impacts both past and present have left indelible marks on the whenua.

From the mining of Kauri (1880 – 1940) leading to deforestation and current siltation of the harbour. Also, copper mining (1907 – 1940) in the mid water tributaries of the Pupuke river and Kaikinikini area. Who’s to say the kilometres of existing shafts and tunnels could not be re-opened?

Present day, theres the white China clay mine at Matauri, opened in the 1940’s and in current operation.

Recently we learnt that Whakaarara also at Matauri has been permitted by the Crown to be mined by Australian millionaire Clive Palmer.

The threat of fast-tracking permits to foreign investors by the Crown is real. In response to this threat, the visualisation for this mahi toi was conceived.

Its purpose, to re-humanise the whenua and ourselves, by reframing our relationship with it.

Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua au – I am the whenua and the whenua is me.

Represented here is Mana wahine: the holders of whenua, and the divine womb – Te Whare Tangata.

Black is ira Tane, and red is ira Wahine. White is wairua, life force rising, formless, floating.

The foetus is a universal symbol of humanity in its purest form. Without gender, specific race or religion. It represents faith in those who once where, and hope in those yet to be.

As the koru moves forward, it also returns.

Our maunga are internal GPS locators – Ohakiri overlooks Whangaroa harbour, Emiemi overlooks Pupuke and Taratara at Otangaroa – they connect me to the past. The comet, a sign of the times, a connection to the present, and again the foetus – a symbol of the future.

These tohu are a call to action for the protection of the whenua/moana as a living entity, not a resource to be plundered by the Crown for foreign gain.

This mahi toi is dedicated to the tangata whenua of Whangaroa whanui and the mahi aroha ahead of them. A visually powerful reminder that we are seeds planted in the soil of our tupuna.

Mauri Ora.

Have a look at the creative process behind this mahi toi.