Information panel at Archives reads:

“Arnold Wilson (b.1928)
Ngāi Tuhoe, Ngāti Tarawhai

'Kai a te Rangatira'

'Kai a te Rangatira' represents the progression of an idea from discussion to recording. The works’ inspiration comes from the saying: "Tā te rangatira, tāna kai he kōrero" (speech is the food of a chief). The first of the three panels symbolises the formation of a concept or idea; the second panel the discussion of the idea; and the third panel the recording of the idea – in other words, how an archive or record is created. The continuous movement of forms suggests figures in discussion, and the figure to the right represents the scribe.”

Note: A line-art interpretation of the work is featured in ArchivesNZ branded stationary.