Description

Five decorative panels located on bridges in Te Awamutu. Each panel tells a unique story and together they highlight the merging of the Mangaohoi and Mangapiko streams and the cultural significance of Kaipaka Pā. These panels were created in partnership with mana whenua. Korotangi Paki, brother of Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, designed the panels with input from a cultural advisory group that included Ngāti Apakura representatives.

Bridge 1: Mangapiko Bridge
The significance of Kaipaka Pā, the Mangapiko beneath the bridge, connection with Mangaohoi and the gateway to Te Awamutu via SH3 are the overarching features underpinning the design for the Mangapiko Bridge panel. The design includes Niho Taniwha (triangles) that depict the Mangapiko Stream.

Bridge 2: Shanel Bridge
The confluence of the Mangaohoi and Mangapiko was central to the Shanel Bridge panel design. The significance of the Mangaohoi as it originates at Maungatautari; a connection to the Parāwera wharenui and Raukawa urupā are also acknowledged. Paki has used the Puuhoro design with small Niho patterns or Piko patterns. Puuhoro is a representation of the water flow.

Bridge 3: Army Bridge
This bridge depicts a beginning, an acknowledgement to move forward. The central raranga (weaving) is representative of the binding of two worlds and the bringing together of different views. The triangle patterns within symbolise whetū and the guiding light woven into that fabric.

Bridge 4: Air Force bridge
Kai is highlighted in the design of the Air Force Bridge panel. The Mangaohoi stream was a rich source of watercress and tuna. Puhoro and flowing patterns represent water, rivers speed, and agility. Mangatuna are used to represent the multiple tuna and koura and the strong mana whenua association with kai.

Bridge 5: Navy Bridge
Harakeke is an important part of pā life; pā rongoā, as a resource (weaving) and a metaphor (children/whānau/family). The restoration of the puna, in part by the planting of harakeke is an important theme as it symbolises the life force that sustained the tribe. The four centre points of this design represents the whānau unit of the harakeke (flax) plant: children, parents, and tūpuna.