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A waka carved by a Pakeha and a Maori is to be gifted to the Waitangi National Trust this Friday.
Commissioned by Maori Television, the carving was built live on a billboard outside Maori TV headquarters in Auckland. It was originally designed for Waitangi Day.
The carving had webcams pointed on it so people could watch the two carvers at work on the internet.
Maori TV chief executive Jim Mather said the aim of the carving project was to create a new legacy for Waitangi Day, inspiring celebration and building nationhood.
"[It's about] the spirit of partnership using simplistic symbols to identify the Maori and Pakeha cultures moving forward into the future."
A European man wearing a top hat sits alongside a Maori warrior in the canoe.
Maori artist Blaine Te Rito and British woodcarver Mike Davies - experts in their field - worked together on the artwork.
The carving was displayed at the Aotea Centre as part of the inaugural World Indigenous Television Broadcasters Conference.
Maori Television then decided to gift the waka to the Waitangi National Trust.
Chief executive of the trust, Jeanette Richardson, said the waka will be displayed in the Treaty Grounds' planned new visitor centre.
"Maori Television has already made a great contribution to the nation's understanding of the positive feelings that drive Waitangi Day ceremonies at the Treaty Grounds through their extended television coverage. This is a most appreciated symbol of their strong relationship with the Waitangi National Trust."
Vanessa Horan, communications manager at Maori Television, said the waka cost $20,000, which included the design, timber and payment to the carvers. She thought they got "a pretty bloody good deal".
The carving is to be welcomed on to the lawn at the main carpark of the Treaty Grounds with a ceremony on Friday at midday.
- NORTHERN ADVOCATE
