Location: Rosebery Street, Swanston corner

Materials: Pine, Set in ground

Created: 1998/99

Artists: Tupaea Ahomiro and Hugh Mahia

Definition of Name:
Te Hoe – A short flat oar used for movement and steering of a small boat or canoe.

Interpretation of Definition:
A short flat oar representing both the literal and figurative travel from one place to another.

Meaning of the Sculpture/Carving:
The paddles of the waka that travelled to New Zealand from Hawaikii are depicted in this carving. They represent the travels hardship, comradery and ultimate bravery in travelling into the virtual unknown across vast stretches of ocean. These exceptional qualities in oneself are what the artists are hoping to inspire in all who live in the community.
The first explorer to arrive on New Zealand shores, according to Maori, was Kupe. Using traditional navigational tools such as the stars and ocean currents as his guides, he moved across the Pacific Ocean on his waka (voyage canoe) from his ancestral homeland of Hawaikii in Polynesia. It is commonly thought that Kupe arrived at the Hokianga Harbour in the Far North, approximately 1000 years ago.
The garden around this pole has now matured nicely, as have the generation from the time of the poles creation.

Materials:
The material used for this sculpture was New Zealand Pinus Radiata. This type of pine is originally from California, America. New Zealand pine grows well in New Zealand’s soils and climate, providing a strong economical and versatile timber. New Zealand pine produces tall trunks that are can be used and suited for wood furniture and all forms of show wood applications, including carvings and sculptures. New Zealand pine is a valued part of New Zealand’s economy providing jobs to many throughout the country.

Artist Notes:
Tupaea Ahomiro and Hugh Mahia have created here, one of the earliest of carvings for the Tokoroa  Talking Poles project, which was first suggested in 1996 as a feature for the town’s retail area upgrade. The project was enthusiastically supported by residents and to date, over 40 poles are on display. Eventually, there will be over 60 arranged in a trail, with more hopefully, from these artists in the future whose skill and passion for their craft has no doubt had people at a standstill.