Ata Whenua

1990

Robert Jahnke

Accessible

Type

  • Sculpture

Medium

  • Aluminium
  • Iron
  • Acrylic (Perspex)
  • Wood

Dimensions

  • H2470 x W2620 x D100mm

Image: Photographed by Jessica O’Brien, Courtesy of Parliamentary Service

2000–Current

Ground floor entry to the Executive Wing (Beehive), Parliament Grounds, Pipitea, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

1990–2000

The Māori Affairs Select Committee Room, Bowen House, CBD, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

Artists
Credit

Parliamentary Collection, Te Ao Marama Collection, commissioned 1990

Associated Artwork Organisation(s)

Description

"Ata Whenua is a reflection on a statement made by Nōpera Panakereao at the conclusion of the signing of the Treaty at Kaitāia on 28 April 1840 which implied that the ATAKAU (shadow) would go to the Governor while the TINANA (substance) would remain with Māori. A year later Panakareao would invert the statement. The lead inlays of ATAKAU and TINANA recall the prophetic statement while the spiral and cross mirror Māori signatures on the Treaty of Waitangi. Kaokao is the major motif that translates across the stylised tiki forms as a statement of protest and discontent. The central panel is conceived as a whare of reconciliation while the stylised tekoteko stands as a prophetic emblem of justice."

- Robert Jahnke

Commissioned as one of eight artworks for the Māori Affairs Select Committee Room in Bowen House.