Location: SH 1/Roslin Street median near Tokoroa Pool

Materials: Coloured Matai, Set on concrete plinth

Created: 2008

Artist: Davey McGhie

Definition of Name:
Abundance – “A very large quantity of something”
Unity – “Harmony or agreement between people or groups.”

Interpretation of Definition:
A large amount of agreement and harmony between people and their cultural groups.

Meaning of the Sculpture / Carving:
This work hopes to show the united spirit of the Tokoroa community, the connected and interconnected web of cultural diversity present and the harmony that results. The figures represent the strength of paternal and maternal heritage. The work traces a memory link from the past to the present.
The Matai log for this Talking Pole was donated by Te Putahitanga O Nga Ara Trust. When the artist went to see the place where the log for this Pole was gifted from, he mentioned a strong sense to honour the memory of the people from there and the surrounding area. That place being the sacred mountain, Titiraupenga. Because of this, it is the only Pole to date, where an artist has acknowledged those Tangatawhenua (indigenous Maori) of the area in his Talking Pole.

Materials:
Matai heartwood can be a yellowish colour when cut fresh, although it darkens to a dark reddish brown when exposed to sunlight.
The timber could be confused with Rimu on first look, but Matai wood tends to have more pronounced growth rings. Matai is also strong smelling when first cut.
Matai can be found extensively throughout lowland forests, with heights of up to 25-30 metres recorded. Older more mature Matai is a sought after wood as it is one of the highest and finest grades of native species. Matai is revered for high yields of heartwood timber that is clear and has an attractive finish.

Artist Notes:
The artist of this piece is Davey McGhie, he has been a part of many exhibitions across New Zealand. He is currently situated in Titahi Bay and is an art educator as well as an artist. He has been a part of some of New Zealand’s largest sculpture exhibits. His education involves a Post Graduate Diploma in Fine Arts, and more recently he has become a lecturer at Whiteria Community Polytechnic.
He has been involved in many different schools and community arts groups in the Wellington district. His other talents and out of work hobbies include, song writing, performing in rock bands, and horticulture. All of which serve to contribute via life experiences, to his art practice.
Davey McGhie has been noted for his intuitive approach to art and especially the materials used in his work.