Untitled [Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Entranceway Waharoa]

1999

Bryce Manu

Accessible

1999–Current

  • Main Entrance, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, 150 Wilton Road, Wilton, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

Type

  • Waharoa
  • Whakairo

Medium

  • Wood
  • Paua shell

Dimensions

  • H3750 (approx.) × W3950 × D270mm

Bryce Manu, Untitled [Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Entranceway Waharoa] (1999), Wilton, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

Image: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, Nov 2025

Artists
Associated Artwork Organisation(s)

Description

There are two waharoa by Bryce Manu in Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.

This one is at the main entrance adjacent to the main carpark. It represents the karanga: the traditional call (usually performed by a wāhine/woman) welcoming visitors to a marae. In this context, it welcomes visitors to the marae of the bush.

Manu restored the waharoa in 2009, and discovered that the base of the amo (pillars supporting the maihi/bargeboards) had substantial rot. As a result, he created new amo which were installed in late 2010. These feature different inset carvings to the originals and are slightly taller.

In June 2010 the Ōtari-Wilton's Bush Trust reported that storm damage earlier in the year had brought down an old rewarewa across the circular walk into the Kaiwharawhara stream. The timber from the tree was earmarked to be used by Manu.

The other waharoa is at the main entrance to the canopy walkway.

See also: