Rangitāne ancestral leader honoured in Te Marae o Hine The Square

Published on 09 November 2023

A new artwork has been created to honour Rangitāne ancestral leader Ereni Te Awe Awe, on the ground around the Hopwood Clocktower in Te Marae o Hine The Square.  

The name of the artwork – Kua kākahutia te rangimarie or under the cloak of peace – reflects an important whakatauki for Rangitāne. 

Council Parks and Logistics Group Manager Kathy Dever-Tod says the project commenced when Council needed to make significant drainage improvements around the Hopwood Clocktower, and reached out to Rangitāne to discuss this work.  

The previous limestone surface was uneven, which made it challenging for people with mobility constraints. It was also an undesirable place for people to congregate or host events when water would pool around the clocktower.    

“When we decided to undertake a major upgrade of the drainage and surfacing around the clocktower, we invited iwi to propose an inspiring expression of Rangitāne that could enhance the space. This vibrant addition to Te Marae o Hine not only reinforces the sense of connection and respect for our shared history, but it is a testament to the partnership between the city council and Rangitāne. As Council, we have the role of kaitiakitanga (caretakership) for Te Marae o Hine and we have a strong working relationship with Rangitāne.”  

Landscape architecture collective Local worked with Rangitāne to develop the artwork. In a painting by artist Philip Holmes, Ereni Te Awe Awe can be seen wearing a kaitaka (finely woven cloak) with a wide and intricate tāniko border. Rangitāne and Local chose to develop a bold and abstract expression of the tāniko border to convey the mana of Ereni Te Awe Awe. Born in the 1820s, she is known to have maintained strong relationships with early civic leaders. 
 
Holmes gifted his painting of Ereni Te Awe Awe to the city in 2021. Some of the painting's significance lies in the statements of mana on display – a huia feather, a hei-tiki, and a kaitaka. 

The drainage, surfacing and artwork cost $240,000.