Untitled [Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Canopy Walkway Waharoa]

1999

Bryce Manu

Accessible

1999–Current

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

Type

  • Waharoa
  • Whakairo

Medium

  • Wood

Dimensions

  • H3800 × W3960 × D260mm

Bryce Manu, Untitled [Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Canopy Walkway 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 entry to the canopy walkway. In the centre of the gateway is Tāne Māhuta, the guardian of the forest, representing respect for nature. On the left are the kararehe, the insects and other animals of the forest. On the right you can see ngā manu, the birds of the forest, and the dotted pattern is rongoā, the seeds or medicines of the forest. The Ngā hau e whā (four winds) are represented by the swirly wavy patterns on the sides of the Waharoa, and acknowledge all of the iwi/ tribal groupings.

An information panel installed with the work reads:

“Tane Mahuta is the spiritual guardian of all forests and all living things within the forest.

“As you enter through the Waharoa you give your Mana or power to Tane Mahuta as a sign of respect to all forests.

“Nature is the Tuakana or elder of man, and by giving your respects to the forest you are granted passage through the forest.

“By entering through the gateway you enter into another time, place and realm that is spiritual, energizing and safe from the outside world.”

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 Otari-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 gardens.

See also: