20/03/2026
Late last year, three carving features were welcomed to their new home at Manukau Health Park and, recently, the plaques telling the story of each whakairo (carving) were installed alongside them.
Jake Ratu, Tikanga Lead, Counties Manukau, says the whakairo are the first three of nine planned for the West and North buildings of the Manukau Health Park expansion.
"It is an honour working with Mana Whenua, Master Carver Ted Ngataki and his Ngaati Tamaoho Trust carving team. These pou anchor the new buildings in the stories and values of the Puhinui area, reflecting the connection between health, culture, and community. We look forward to the completion of the remaining whakairo."
In the Ambulance Bay are: (left in below image)
Te Puaawaitanga o te Rengarenga – The healing bloom of the Rengarenga (left) and Te Puunanga Kawariki – The healing nest of the Kawariki (right).
Rengarenga and Kawariki are plants traditionally associated with rongoaa (medicine) and here they are personified to uphold this facility as a space dedicated to health and wellbeing.
Toki are carved from pounamu (greenstone) and through this they pay tribute to the Manukau SuperClinic – the foundational building of the Manukau Health Park. This isreflected in the building's name, 'Taku Kuru Pounamu – My Ornament of Greenstone' .Carved by Maaka Potini – Ngaati Tamaoho, Ngaati Amaru.
In the Pre-Op waiting area: (centre in image)
Hauhau te Poo – Paopao te Raa – Darkness storms – the sun shatters it.
This whakairo (carving) and the legend it embodies stands as a guardian, reminding us all – patients, whaanau, practitioners, and the wider community who support them – of the importance of keeping to rituals that keep us all safe. Carved by Mangawhero Paora-Chamberlin – Wharekokowai.
In the Whaanau Room: (right in image)
Kotahitanga – The weaving of many into one.
Kotahitanga (unity) emanates from this whakairo promoting a sense of continuity, support, stability, purpose, and balance. Lastly, it nurtures the state of mauri ora – the holistic wellbeing of the mind, heart, body, and spirit. Carved by Timoti Herbert – Ngaati Tiipa, Te Aupoouri.
