This writer was not expecting to cry when walking through the newly placed waharoa (gateway) leading into the Cromwell Early Childhood Centre in Monaghan Street, but such is the mana of the Māori carving, which was unveiled at the end of July.  

Centre manager Lisa Lowrey said an emotional response to the new waharoa was not unusual.

The centre places value on welcoming and embracing the different cultures represented within their place of learning and felt the waharoa was a fitting symbol of inclusion.

“We want all cultures to feel they belong – so they can visually see it and feel it and they can sense it”, Lisa said. 

“The waharoa represents what we value here.”

The gateway was two years in the making, both in discussion between parents and teachers, and in consultation with Queenstown-based kaumatua Darren Rewi and Māori wood carver Steve Solomon.  

The carving is of Wirou (willow) who grows her roots through the whenua (land), anchoring her to this place, her whānau, tupuna (ancestors) and whakapapa (genealogy). 

Woven together they form a strong trunk to support her arms, which offer protection for those in her presence.

Through the changing seasons, the leaves of tamariki (children) are nurtured and grow

Her presence is a powerful symbol – the children in the centre are nurtured and grow until they are ready to embark on a new adventure – all of which is represented in the carving by the branches of Kaiako (teacher) responding to the essence (wairua) of each budding child (tamaiti).

This is the first waharoa  Steve Solomon (Ngāi Tahu, Ngati Whakue, Ngati Pikiao, Te Whanau a Apanui) has crafted for a childhood centre.  

Currently artist-in-residence at Remarkables Park Limited in Queenstown, Steve spent six months creating this piece.

Darren Rewi (Ngāi Tahu) - a consultant in the Leadership Lab Cultural capability in Aotearoa kura project - contributed his knowledge gained from working with teachers to develop their competence and confidence in culturally sustaining practices.  

Wirou offers a warm welcome

Waharoa are traditionally found on marae and are generally narrow – allowing only one person in at a time as a means of protection for the dwelling – but Steve has built Wirou wide and welcoming to all who pass below her.