Pictured: Artist – Carol-Jeanien Taka, with I Love Takapuna (Sponsor) Manager – Terence Harpur.
From 24th January – 18th April, 80 individually-designed Whale Tail sculptures will decorate Auckland as part of the city’s cultural art trail, Whale Tales 2022. Designed by well-known and emerging kiwi artists and schools, the Tails – inspired by the endangered Bryde’s whale – will tell the “tales” of our moana and why we must protect it.
Takapuna is proudly home to THREE beautiful Whale Tail sculptures, each with their own story and rewards for “unlocking” them!
TE KOHA TOHORĀ
Whales’ migration routes guided people to new lands, aiding in the spread of people throughout Polynesia. This piece shows a pair of humpback whales, a mother and her calf. They have gifted a waka to the people of Hawaiki so the whales may lead the people to New Zealand.
This piece shows a pair of humpback whales, a mother and her calf. They have gifted a waka to the people of Hawaiki so the whales may lead the people to New Zealand.
The waka is based on a northern waka called Ngātokimatawhaorua which initially bought many Māori to New Zealand. The background shows the meeting of Rangi and Moana, the sky and sea. Where they meet is the kiri kiore, the horizon line which holds an important place in Māori mythology.
Location: Hurstmere Road / Anzac Square
I AM THE WATER AND THE WATER IS ME
This tale represents connection, belonging, indivisibility and mauri through a sacred lineage that binds Mother Earth to all her creations.
This artwork celebrates the principle of kaitiakitanga and it calls for humans to rediscover their relationship to nature.
Location: Takapuna Playground
JUST FOWLIN’ AROUND
The theme of this design concept is ‘unexpected’. At first glance it appears to be a basic cartoon duck pattern, but upon closer inspection the viewer will spot random, ‘unexpected’ differences. The idea for this design came up as I did research for another design concept which included an illustration of a duck. Wondering about the rubber duck and its origins, I discovered that there is more to this popular bath time toy than it appears. This design was made in the hopes of sharing the fun I had ‘researching’ and creating this concept with everyone who may see it.
Location: Takapuna Beach Cafe
After the art trail closes, the tails will take centre stage at a charitable auction in May 2022 and sold to bidders. Funds raised from the auction will go to WWF-New Zealand and their work. In particular, for their efforts to protect and restore Aotearoa’s marine environment, particularly in and around the Hauraki Gulf.
Take part in the immersive art trail across Tāmaki Makaurau and find a map of the trail here – grab a coffee, pack a picnic, or meet a group for lunch or dinner and visit the Tails! If you download the app, you can ‘unlock’ each tail and claim some great local rewards!
