Carlee Pawa in Ohaeawai

Last time I drove through Ohaeawai I spotted this wee mural on the front of what looks like a shed or garage which was painted by artist Carlee Pawa who lives in Kaitaia.

Looking closer at it, it seems like the mural has some stalks of corn, leaves, some Maori tribal art, some owls and a squirrel (which we don't have here). 

Linking up with Mural Monday.

Tane Mahuta Mural

Last time I was in Ohaeawai and opposite the hotel is this mural on the back of a shed also masquerading as a corner shop. Named "Tane Mahuta" it was painted by Sean Duffell.  Tane Mahuta is located in the Waipoua Forest, our country's largest Kauri tree. In most nature walks where there are Kauris there are also cleaning stations where people need to stop and disinfect their shoes before walking through to the pathways.

According to Maori mythology Tane is the son of Ranginui the sky father and Papatuanuku the earth mother. Tane was the child who tore his parents parental embrace and once done set about clothing his mother in the forest we have today.  All living creatures of the forest are regarded as Tane's children.

Linking up with Monday Murals.

The Kauri Ohaeawai Hotel

2 days ago I drove through to Kaikohe and stopped in at Ohaeawai, about 20 minutes away from us. Luckily I was able to dodge the rain and hail to take a few photos around the area.

Built in 1895 the Ohaeawai (also known as Taiamai) Hotel was originally made of Kauri and is situated on the corner of the main state highway 12 and state highway 1. It has 2 bars, one currently being run as a cafe, a gaming room, large dining room, commercial kitchen, cool store, cellar and office.  It is on the Heritage NZ list as a category 2 building and the land plus building is up for sale at the moment.

I would imagine a hotel like this in a small town, like many others would find it hard to do a regular trade and if it were me I would run it as a hotel and backpackers for tourists. What would you do with it?

Linking up with Skywatch Friday.

Saint Michael's Anglican Church, Ohaeawai

Last weekend B and I explored a bit more of the outer area of Kerikeri. This time we found an old church, one of the many that are dotted around New Zealand. This one is just before the tiny settlement of Ohaeawai - it's dated from 1871 and was built on the site of an old battle, the battle of Pene Taui's Pa in 1845.

The church was built by local Ngapuhi people and at the opening in 1872 the remains of soldiers killed in the early battle were moved there. Inside the church is an account of the fight and and a plaque listing all the names.