University sculpture revealed

 

After more than a year of secrecy, a sculpture hidden behind scaffolding, plastic and wooden boxing has been unveiled today at the University of Otago.

The sculpture, Pou Whenua Tāwhaki, was commissioned by the university’s office of Māori development in 2019 to celebrate the university’s 150th year.

It was carved by an unnamed artist at the Waitati Whakairo carving shed.

In Māori mythology, Tāwhaki is a demi-god who sought celestial knowledge from his gods. In using sheer tenacity to climb to the heavens, Tāwhaki gained experience and knowledge and relied on the guidance of others to be successful in his endeavours to support life on Papatūānuku (earth).

Development project manager Kiritea Smith said the significance of the pou whenua (post marker) highlighted the direction the university was heading in, recognising the relationship between "us and mana whenua".

It also reflected the strengthening of culture and diversity, ensuring students thrived in a place where they had a sense of belonging.

Located between the Water of Leith and the St David lecture theatre, the sculpture had been enveloped first by scaffolding and black plastic, and more recently by a large white cube, to shield it from the view of curious passers-by.

For the past year, the University of Otago has refused to say what was under the covering, when it would be unveiled or how much was spent on it, warning it would consider any further questioning about the object "culturally insensitive".

john.lewis@odt.co.nz