Western Bay of Plenty District Council says a newly-installed sculpture at the Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland in Ōmokoroa invites people to connect with the environment and reflect on their role as guardians of the landscape.
Designed by Que Bidois, Te Hokinga Mai o te Kākā (The Return of the Kākā) celebrates the connection Pirirākau has with the landscape, as mana whenua hapū.
The sculpture was brought to life by engineering designer, Teia Dunster, who ensured the artwork was strong, durable and safe for a wetland environment, while remaining true to the design concept.
Tracing the migration from Mayor Island to Hamilton, the sculpture represents the flow of knowledge.
Water pouring from the bird’s mouth is its voice – a reminder that when the water is healthy, the language of the land remains strong. The central post represents water as the lifeblood of the land, with the swirling pūhorowai patterns mirror the currents of the Waipapa River. Embedded in the wings are flounder and eel, highlighting the sacred bond and interconnectedness between the people, land and water.
“The kākā is more than a bird; it is a messenger and kaitiaki, carrying the wisdom of the past into the hope of the future. This sculpture reminds us that the health of the environment is inseparable from our own well-being. By listening to the language of nature, we honour our whakapapa and our collective responsibility as guardians,” says Que.
A shelter with a table and seating overlooks the sculpture, and the space as a whole serves as a contemporary marae ātea – a place for people to meet, share stories and strengthen community bonds, he adds.
“It is a dedicated space for whānau and visitors to connect through kōrero (conversation). Just as the kākā is a communicator, the area encourages the sharing of ideas and strengthening of social bonds.”
The Wāhi ō Waipapa Wetland, at the end of Prole Road, is part of Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Prole Road urbanisation project and is designed to enhance local biodiversity while providing stormwater management.
Linking to the Pahioa cycleway, the wetland reserve also includes boardwalks, a drinking water fountain, public toilet, bike repair station and bike stands.
Named by Pirirākau hapū, ‘Wāhi ō Waipapa’ pays homage to the Waipapa River, a historically significant waterway for Māori communities, used for safe navigation and transportation of waka.
Pirirākau facilitated both the cultural design and the wetland planting, which was carried out in collaboration with Matakana Island Nursery.
“We are proud to see our cultural values reflected in the design and planting of Wāhi ō Waipapa. This space is a celebration of our connection to the land and water, and we hope it encourages everyone who visits to slow down, learn from the environment, and feel a sense of responsibility as kaitiaki,” says Pirirākau’s project manager for the project, Julie Shepherd.
“It’s a place where people can connect with nature and each other, while reflecting on their own role in caring for the land.”
The wetland is an example of how urban development can work hand-in-hand with the natural environment, says Western Bay of Plenty District Council Infrastructure Growth and Delivery Manager, Annelie Badenhurst.
“Whether walking, cycling, or spending time with whānau, the wetland provides another space for the Ōmokoroa and wider community to enjoy. At the same time, it helps manage stormwater, support wildlife and keep the local environment healthy for generations to come.”
“We would like to thank Pirirākau for guiding the design and planting, ensuring the wetland reflects cultural and environmental values for everyone to connect with,” she said.
