Theft of iwi's marker pole carving shocks locals

By TONY GEE

The removal of a carved figure fixed to the top of a Far North iwi's pouwhenua (marker pole) marking the tribe's customary foreshore rights on Ninety Mile Beach has shocked and concerned local people.

The tekoteko, depicting Poroa, a Te Rarawa rangatira of renown to Far North tribes, disappeared on Saturday night.

It was placed on the pouwhenua when the pole was formally installed and blessed on the beach at Ahipara, west of Kaitaia, on February 7 amid a large gathering organised by Te Rarawa to promote understanding of tribal customary foreshore and seabed rights.

It also marks entry to the Maori spiritual trail along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga.

Ahipara residents found the tekoteko missing yesterday morning.

"We'd like to think it was an act of foolish vandalism," said Te Runanga o Te Rarawa chairwoman Gloria Herbert.

"But in light of the political climate and [seabed and foreshore] legislation due out, a whole lot of things could be read into this act other than it being one of foolishness. "It could be considered an affront - saying something to us as Maori."

Ms Herbert said whoever took the tekoteko, given by Far North carver, waka builder and Te Rarawa identity Hec Busby, would have needed a vehicle, chains and a rope to take it from the pouwhenua.

The incident has been reported to the police.