News
A pastoral carer and He Toki Co-ordinator at the Southern Institute of Technology has created a striking carved artwork for the campus — and every element of it means something.
The piece was entered into a staff and student art competition. Its creator, who works with SIT's He Toki students and teaches carving on Thursdays, designed it from scratch with a clear narrative running from base to top.
"Starting from the bottom of the piece, the tapatore pays homage to Te Pakiaka, where it all started for everyone," they said.
Moving up, small triangles through the centre represent the staff and students who have come through SIT over the years — past and present. Two kowhaiwhai pieces near the top represent the women who welcome new students and staff as they begin at the institute. Above those, four triangles look forward.
"At the top, the two kowhaiwhai pieces represent the ladies welcoming all the students and staff who are starting at SIT. Above that, the four triangles represent the future of SIT."
The centrepiece is a star — originally planned as a sail shape featuring sponsor logos, it was redesigned to align with Matariki. A figure in the middle, the pūmano, represents the captain of the waka.
"The pūmano in the middle represents the kaihautū (captain), helping to guide and push the waka forward. The two smaller figures are me — I'm the captain of the waka."
The star has eight points — four top, four bottom. They carry a dual meaning: a connection to the eight beating hearts of Te Arawa, and a nod to the eight members of SIT's senior leadership team.
"Those eight points also represent the eight members of the senior management team that our Tumuaki has appointed. That felt like a meaningful story to include as part of my whakaaro for this piece."
The work wasn't finished alone. He Toki student Wylie Tāwira came in during the holidays, unprompted, to help complete it.
"I'm really grateful that one of my students, Wylie Tāwira, came in during the holidays in their own time to help me finish it for everyone. It's been an awesome experience, and it was special to have my student join me on this journey."
