“This painted triptych represents three figures who have made important contributions to the exploration of New Zealand. Kupe, Abel Tasman and Captain James Cook all travelled to our shores, toured the country and then travelled on. The artist notes that they are significant in that their contacts were at particular and important points of the country’s development.”
Source: Wellington High Court, Artworks Catalogue (6-page typed and printed document produced by the High Court)

A plaque installed with the work reads:

“Three important explorers who influenced this country at significant stages in its development are represented in this triptych : Kupe, Abel Tasman and James Cook.

Significant geographical features of the New Zealand landscape are also represented.”

This work is one of a set of artworks commissioned for the Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara High Court in 1992 by an artworks panel consisting of members of the judiciary, the Department of Justice, the Māori community and the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council.

Due to this work’s location, it is only accessible by prior appointment.