September 24, 1998
A unique work of Maori art is being installed in the offices of the Environmental Risk Management Authority, in Wellington. The work will be unveiled on Friday 25 September at 10am.
ERMA New Zealand is a new government agency set up to regulate the introduction of new plants and animals to New Zealand. The Authority also controls the introduction of genetically modified organisms or GMOs. From April 1999, it will also regulate hazardous substances such as chemicals, pesticides, herbicides.
The work was commissioned to provide a distinct Maori presence in the formal public areas of the Authority's premises. ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive Dr. Bas Walker said that the installation of the work reinforced the commitment in the HSNO Act and by the Authority to recognising Maori interests.
The installation comprises three elements – a carving and two works mounted with silk hangings.
The carving, in kauri, was created by Pat Kake of Nga Puhi. Pat is a widely respected carver and tohunga whakairo. The hanging pieces were created by Leilani Kake of NgaPuhi, Tainui and Manihiki.
This is Leilani's first public work. She has a background in arts and drama and is currently studying for a Bachelor in Visual Art at the Manukau Institute of Technology, working under Lisa Reihana.
Leilani says she likes to use movement, depth and tone in her art. She is interested in bringing the concepts of movement and imagery into more static, traditional art forms.
Leatrice Welsh - Chairperson of the Authority's Maori advisory committee, Nga Kaihautu Tikanga Taiao - says that the work represents the strength of traditional Maori knowledge and how that knowledge has evolved to meet the challenges of modern times. "Maori have a deep interest in the protection of the New Zealand environment. Some of the proposals we will be dealing with may raise significant issues, touching on Maori spiritual values and tikanga, " says Leatrice.
Nga Kaihautu Tikanga Taiao has been established as a formal advisory committee to the Authority. Its members include: Leatrice Welsh - Ngapuhi/Ngatiwhatua; Gerrard Albert- Whanganui; and Murray Parsons – Ngati kahungunu. A further two members are yet to be appointed to the committee.
The work can be seen by visiting the offices of ERMA New Zealand at Level 1, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington.
For further information contact:
Karen Cronin
Manager Communications.
Phone: 04 496 4826
Fax: 04 473 8433
or email to: enquiries@ermanz.govt.nz
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description of Maori art work at the Environmental Risk Management Authority
Te Whakatupuranga - Whakawhanaungatanga.
This work comprises a painting based on the ERMA New Zealand logo, with three silk hangings.
It is a visual representation of the issues that the Authority will be concerned with.
It symbolises the growth of a living form, from a seed through to a seedling and on to maturity, recognising that nurturing is needed at each stage for the tree to reach its full potential.
The work also emphasise the concepts of family and unity of thought. It is symbolic of the evolution of life against the backdrop of the black cosmos.
The silk hangings represent:
- The sea/kaimoana and looking after the oceans;
- Air/the winds of change bringing good or bad. Air being the sustenance for life;
- Animals, with the marks made by their claws or beaks.
The green and blue colours in the fabric are the colours of water, grass leaves and air.
Te Whei Ao – Te Ao Marama
This work reminds us of the ancient times, of days long gone by and of ancient wisdom. The palm frond symbolises Papatuanuku, the source of life.
Te Ao Marama is about the world of light, bringing clarity. It also refers to the new technology in the world and the importance of clarity of thought and enlightenment.
The silk hangings represent:
- The circle of life, in which any one thing is connected to everything else;
- The stairway to a better tomorrow, looking forward;
- The family unit working together as a whole, from the family into the wider community;
- Te Mauri – the essence of life.
The carving is named "Te Kakano kua whakatongia Ki Te Whare tangata"
Translation: "for those who have yet to be born"
The ERMA New Zealand logo, when turned in reverse, represents the foetal state of mankind.
Nga Kaihautu Tikanga Taiao has accepted this image as representing their belief, that the work of ERMA New Zealand and Nga Kaihautu is for the betterment of future generations.