Media release

For immediate release

14 November

Contact sculpture gift unveiled in Taupo

Contact Energy’s gift to the Taupo community of a nine metre high Maori sculpture was officially blessed and unveiled in a ceremony this morning at the entrance to Taupo’s War Memorial Cenotaph.

Commissioned by Contact to celebrate 50 years of renewable geothermal electricity generation at the Wairakei geothermal power station, the sculpture is a Waharoa, or spiritual entrance, through which acknowledgement and respect is given and received by Tangata Whenua and visitors.

“This sculpture signifies our respect for Ngati Tuwharetoa and the special relationship between the people of the Taupo region and geothermal energy,” said David Baldwin, Managing Director of Contact.

“We are extremely thankful for all the support and commitment of everyone involved in creating this impressive new landmark, which we hope will be enjoyed by locals and visitors for many generations to come.”

Designed by local master carver Delani Brown, and crafted from locally sourced Totara, the nine metre-high Waharoa tells the story of the arrival of geothermal energy to the Taupo region. Mr Brown worked closely with Ngati Tuwharetoa kaumatua to receive the stories and historical knowledge that underpin the stories depicted in the carving.

The sculpture was blessed by Te Kanawa Pitiroi of Ngati Tuwharetoa outside the Taupo Cenotaph on Tongariro Street at 5.30am. The ceremony was also attended by Mayor of Taupo Rick Cooper who accepted the gift for Taupo, and the Returned Services’ Association which gave their blessing along with the Taupo District Council for the Waharoa to stand in such a special place.

“With four existing geothermal power stations in the Taupo region, one more under construction and plans for two more, Contact has an enduring relationship with this region and a shared respect for its geothermal resource. We are pleased to have this opportunity to acknowledge that, with the support of the local community,” said Mr Baldwin.

For more information about Contact’s projects and community activities in Taupo, visit www.contactenergy.co.nz.

ENDS

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