Whiti Te Rā

1969

Cliff Whiting

Accessible

Type

  • Mural

Medium

  • Customwood/MDF
  • Acrylic paint
  • Hardboard/HDF

Dimensions

  • H1220 x W2440 x D45mm

Cliff Whiting (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, ONZ), ‘Whiti Te Ra’ (1960), Te Pūtahi-a-Toi School of Māori Studies, Massey University, Turitea Campus, Te Papa-i-oea Palmerston North

Images: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2022

2011–Current

Whare Kai o Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, School of Māori Studies, Massey University, Turetia Campus, Te Papa-i-oea Palmerston North

1969–2011

Palmerston North Teachers' College, Te Papa-i-oea Palmerston North

Artists
Credit

The Hokowhitu Arts Trust Collection of the Palmerston North College of Education

Associated Artwork Organisation(s)
    • Staff of the Palmerston North Teachers College (Funder)
    • Institute of Education (Massey University) (Donor)
    • Te Pūtahi-a-Toi (Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa) (Host site)

Description

This mural is based on Te Rauparaha's haka, Ka Mate. The figures on the left of the mural depict the rows of haka perfromers. Tama-nui-te-rā, the life giving force, is depicted with personified light rays radiating outwards. The carving style is based on Te Whānau-ā-Apanui figures from Te Tairuku Pōtaka (1770-80) pātaka - sinuous bodies with upraised arms. The koru has been used as a basic design element to highlight movement in the figures.