Last evening in Whakatane we went to have dinner at the Sportfishing Club which overlooks the harbour. It was a very enjoyable meal. Karen, who hadn't been to Whakatane before, wondered aaboutthe significance of the statue at the harbour entrance. I had blogged about it last year when we had come to this same croquet tournament. However the links which I had inserted are no longer valid. So this is an update.
The statue of Wairaka with Mount Manganui on the Bay of Plenty in the background
The Statue of Wairaka
Wairaka close up
Whakatane (to act as a man) - This story springs from the 12th Century Great Migration. The women of the Mataatua Canoe, left to themselves when the men went ashore for the first time, found a waka (canoe) drifting out to sea again. The paddles were tapu (the English word "taboo" derives from this) to women, but a high spirited teenager, Wairaka, who was the daughter of Chief Toroa, boldly seized one of the paddles and paddled the waka back to shore. As she did this, she shouted "Kia Whakatane au i ahau" (let me act the part of a man) and her actions saved the women but also coined the name of the town.
Wairaka is also part of Maoris legend for other reasons. Wairaka of the Cave makes interesting reading.
Wairaka is also part of Maoris legend for other reasons. Wairaka of the Cave makes interesting reading.
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A great story. I love sculpture in unusual places and this does enhance the view.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos. And that story of Wairaka of the Cave in the link is lovely! There are so many wonderful stories in Maori legends, aren't there?
ReplyDeleteThanks for re-posting this story. I half-remembered it from your post last year but it's well worth repeating. I also don't think I ever heard the "taboo" part before (the origin of that word). The other Wairaka story... Doesn't that remind a bit of Beuty and the Beast...?
ReplyDeleteI have never seen this.
ReplyDeleteIt looks absolutely beautiful from a distance. What a wonderful shape it adds to the horizon line.
Thanks for sharing. We seem to be swapping sightseeing ideas!!!
Fantastic fun to be had this summer.
There's something very moving for me about that statue in the harbor. I just love it!
ReplyDeleteHi there, the first photo actually has Moutohora more commonly known as Whale Island in the background.
ReplyDeleteYes, ScorchedJd, thanks for that. I should have mentioned it.
ReplyDeletevery good. i used to live right in front of it and i tryed climbing on it once. it was fun. coatgaurd her i come!
ReplyDeletei love this website and the rock. great photos!!!!!
ReplyDeletevery good. i used to live right in front of it and i tryed climbing on it once. it was fun. coatgaurd her i come!
ReplyDelete