Date Produced: 2023

The form wraps around the Hoe (paddle) materials mimicking the architectural elements from the surrounding space.  

About the Hoe:

AMOHIA AKE TE ORA O TE IWI KA PUTA KI TE WHEIAO – THE WELLBEING OF THE PEOPLE IS PARAMOUNT.

HOE NUKENUKE

Gifted to Hīkina Whakatutuki by the Māori King His Majesty Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII

August 2022

In recognition of the relationship and collaboration with His Majesty and Māori across Aotearoa in the development of Managed Isolation and Quarantine, and the care and protection of people.

The Upoko/head at the hilt represents Hīkina Whakatutuki. The handle or Nukenuke is a representation of the tongikura “He piko he taniwha, waikato Taniwharau” and represents the bends of the Waikato River. The point of the paddle represents precision, effectiveness and responsiveness, 3 important factors of MIQ. The koru in the blade represents the Mauri of the kaupapa MIQ. The significance of the Hoe is symbolic to Tainui Waka, a representation of the partnership between Hīkina Whakatutuki and His Majesty the King. The 3 strands represent the Tongikura of the first Māori King Potatau Te Wherowhero “Kotahi te kohao o te ngira. Ka kahuna ai te miro mā, te miro whero me te miro pango”. Through the eye of the neddle the white, red and black strands must thread, representing the diversity of the kaupapa and the people MIQ cared for.

Materials: Recycled Cedar Timber, Autex felt, Acrylic, Plywood.