Maori Rock Carvings

One from when we were in Taupo earlier this year is this Maori Rock Carving which is only accessible via water on a boat. We booked a charter with other tourists and headed out to Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay.

 This is not classed as historical as it was carved in the late 1970s by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell after he had completed his 10 year training with Maori elders. He then came to his grandmother's land at Lake Taupo to mark the occasion. He decided to carve a likeness of Ngatoroirangi (who was an early explorer to the area over a thousand years ago) and also carved 2 smaller celtic figures on either side (you might just be able to spot them) which depict the south wind.

The main carving is over 10 metres high and took 4 Summers to complete. The artwork is is Matahi's gift to Taupo. He and 4 assistants Te Miringa Hohaia, Steve Myhre, Dave Hegglun, and cousin Jono Randell took no payment other than small change donations from local bar patrons to cover the cost of scaffolding.

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The Ernest Kemp

In Taupo moored at the marina is this wee boat, the "Ernest Kemp". It is a private charter boat which takes people out on the lake to view the local Maori rock carvings. The replica steam boat is 14.5 metres long and weighs just over 20 tonnes. It is powered by two 4 cylinder ford diesel engines of 73hp producing an average speed of approx 9 knots. The steering wheel was one of 2 winding reels mounted on both sides of a horse drawn hose reel used by fire brigades years ago. The steam whistle was originally from a a bush steam locomotive engine that operated hauling logs in the central north island.

oh and yesterday I had my 2nd Covid vaccination, again no major side effects other than a slightly sore arm but good to get it done.

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Swell!

On Taupo's waterfront this sculpture named "Swell" was created local artist Colleen Ryan-Priest. The glass reflects the clear blue waters of Lake Taupo below, and sits on the side of the main road through Taupo.

The Taupo Sculpture Trust who presented the sculpture to the people of Taupo, describes the art work on their website as: 

"A technical term for a type of wind wave, which is a long-wavelength surface wave that travels long distances across a body of water like the ocean. It is a stable, clean wave free of chop and doesn’t break. The long gentle curves of the proposed stainless steel and glass sculpture reflect this type of wave."

The environmental meaning of the work looks to oceanography and in particular the natural cycle of wave and wind patterns to identify any potential impact from extreme weather events precipitated through increased global warming and climatic change.

It is intended that this work be recognised at one level as a waveform but also to make people aware of the critical importance of water in our environment and the impact if we interrupt the natural patterns.

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Winter skies and sculptures in Taupo

Taupo, such a lovely place especially with it's snowy mountains and expansive lake. This particular morning we stopped by it was .5 degrees celsius - very nippy indeed. This sculpture is named Upane by Steuart Welch who is a farmer and owns a nursery at Marton. Apparently he started making farm gates from objects he found here and there. Now after many years he has progressed to making sculptures like the one above and exhibits in the central North Island of NZ.

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Tongariro Trout Fishing

On our way to Ruapehu last weekend we stopped (cos I'm one of those annoying people who if I see something when we are driving that I think is interesting I say "stop") near a bridge just before Turangi.

As we drove around Lake Taupo I saw these fishermen trout fishing all in a long line down the river.

These two in particular were the only ones who caught one while we were there, the others were throwing their lines in back and forth - no doubt they were pleased with their catch.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday :-)