The single most important feature of Te Aupouri's pou, which was unveiled in the atrium at Te Ahu on Friday, was its dedication to the tamariki/mokopuna who were the iwi's future.
So said carver Duncan Kapa, whose work has made an impressive contribution to the unique portrayal of Te Hiku o Te Ika's five iwi, alongside European and Dalmatian settlers.
Mr Kapa, who served under master carver Paki Harris, has also worked with other notable carvers including Murray Pihema, Dennis Phillips and Henare Toka.
"Who knows what the future will be for our tamariki and mokopuna," he said on Friday, "but when we look at the world today they will need all the tools they can get."
The pou had been designed and carved in a contemporary, non-traditional manner, he added, its whole purpose being to support the values of the tupuna that had been passed down over the generations, but there was nothing mystical about it. He had set out to create something that could be read like a book.
