Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) received a beautifully-carved Tauihu during a ceremony at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) yesterday.
The carving, titled Waka Putanga, was a collaborative effort led by Hohepa Peni, a Pouako Whakairo Rākau (wood carving tutor) at NZMACI, along with his tauira (students). Peni explained the significance of the Tauihu, which is a front-end prow of a waka in miniature form, and represents those arriving from overseas for MEETINGS 2024, and the sharing of ideas and the making of connections during the event.
The carving was crafted from a very special piece of kauri, a 3,000-year-old log gifted by Tā (Sir) Hekenukumai Busby, a Te Tai Tokerau elder and leader in the revival of traditional Māori navigation and voyaging. This same log was previously used to create a 10m waka maumahara (memorial canoe) exhibited at the 2019 World Expo in Shanghai.
The putanga style of the carving reflects the concept of emergence and stepping out. The piece is intentionally designed to be culturally accessible, with a balance between traditional and contemporary elements. Hollowing techniques showcase the beauty of the kauri, and pāua (abalone) shell inlays represent the convergence of people from different places.
Finally, kura (feathers) adorn the Waka Putanga, symbolizing the dreams and aspirations that people bring to MEETINGS. These feathers also connect those attending the event with their ancestors.
Lisa Hopkins, BEIA’s chief executive, expressed: “We feel extremely privileged, and we also accept the responsibility and understand the importance of what has just happened. It’s a beautiful piece – it’s a new member of the team and I feel quite overwhelmed by the manaaki (hospitality) we’ve just been shown.”
Waka Putanga will be on display at the Energy Events Centre over the next two days as MEETINGS continues.
