Project Twin Streams - Te Herenga Tangata

Te Herenga Tangata is Project Twin Streams’ largest art project to date. It involved the whole community and reflects the diverse nature of the community, incorporating and celebrating the traditional deigns and motifs of the local Maori, Croatian and Pacific Island communities.

The sculpture consists of three components, each with its own significance and meaning. The first is a concrete base with a band of mosaic tiles referencing traditional Maori designs, created by students from Te Piataata Trust and Birdwood Primary School. The second section is decorated with mosaics made by the Croatian community, Liston College and Agape Trust. These panels represent the growth of plant life in the area with alternated segments representing Maori eel traps.

The top section features a kereru made out of concrete and mosaic tiles, surrounded by stainless steel leaf-like designs that can be interpreted in variety of ways – as a Pacific flower, waka paddle or planting spade. This section pays homage to the local Pacific culture and was designed and constructed by Engineering Industry Training students.

Photo: Jamie Watson