Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua

I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past

As we work, learn and play on the whenua at Ferndale Kindergarten we understand that this land holds local histories and stories from the ages. We have been guided by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to bring a little of this history and story into the present day through a beautifully carved Pou. This whakairo has recently been placed in the heart of our garden, in a place where it is surrounded by children, learning and aroha.

The wood, Tim Codyre, the carver, has used for the Pou, is 100 year old Totara from a bridge that was removed from Ranganui Road, near Kaiwaka. The shape of the Pou is original. Tim thought it looked like a pencil so seemed appropriate to leave as is and be placed in a kindergarten environment. The intention was to keep the pou at a height the children can access.

Ohomatakamokamo stands proud within the Pou, sheltering a kuri/dog, that was left when his brother, Ruarangi and his people managed to escape from any potential fighting through a naturally occurring tomo/cave. The feet low on the Pou show the last of Ruarangi’s people escaping through the tomo entrance.

At the back of the Pou Tim has added places into which ten insect pegs he carved can added and changed, making this whakairo interactive. The insects are linked to the story, as they are the creatures Ruarangi’s people came across in the tomo.

The wood is well weathered, Tim said it should last another hundred years and during this time we hope the pūrakau of this whenua is shared with many.

The Pou has a connection to the two Pou at Pt Chevalier Kindergarten and the gateway at Coyle Park.

https://www.timcodyre.co.nz/whanaungatanga/point-chevalier-kindy