Iconic Crankworx hot seat uniquely NZ
Iconic Crankworx hot seat uniquely NZ
The much coveted Crankworx downhill hot seat will be one to go down in the history books this year in Rotorua as a true work of art, with a uniquely Kiwi waharoa (carving) as the focal point.
The hot seat is part of the Crankworx Rotorua Downhill
presented by iXS. The racing will be held tomorrow The tomokanga (carving), which stands
approximately 3.5 metres high, has been donated by Te
Puia|New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) to
reflect the region’s unique culture and heritage. Carved
by Taparoto Nicholson, Pou Tuarā ki te Tumuaki (cultural
adviser) and Rotorua kaumātua (elder) Mauriora Kingi in the
1980s, it took approximately five weeks to carve and create.
The piece was used to practice the art of replicating other
carvings, an important part of restoration work. Mr
Nicholson says it is great the carving is being used for a
purpose such as the hot seat. “It’s neat that it
is being used for the Crankworx Rotorua downhill race, it
gives the downhill title and achievement some impetus –
and is appropriate in terms of the race’s location and
rich history. It is something really unique that we can add
to the event’s already strong identity.”
Te Puia
chief executive Tim Cossar says Te Puia|NZMACI’s
involvement in Crankworx reflects their support of such
events and what they mean for the city. “Crankworx
is a big deal for Rotorua, it really is a game changer for
our city so it’s fantastic that we are involved. Events
such as this are inspiring and make an important difference
to our brand and the way the destination is perceived. “For Rotorua, Crankworx has the potential to have an
even greater impact on the world stage than the Rugby World
Cup – it has given us huge profile overseas already thanks
to the number of top international athletes and media that
have been in town over recent days and the increased
visitors that will come as a result. “As the first
Crankworx event of three, the next two years have the
potential to be even bigger and better, and continue to put
our destination in the world spotlight, seeing Rotorua
become even more world-famous for its event experiences.
These bigger-picture benefits are one of the reasons why Te
Puia is proud to support Crankworx.” Crankworx
Rotorua event director Takurua Mutu says they are grateful
for Te Puia|NZMACI’s involvement. “As a
legendary part of the downhill event, the hot seat will be
taken to a whole other level at Crankworx Rotorua, with race
leaders taking a seat at the base of the beautiful waharoa.
It’s the best hot seat Crankworx I’ve ever seen –
it’s a work of art in more ways than one. “It’s really important for us to demonstrate that
the Crankworx courses are uniquely Rotorua – a site with
lakes and trees in the background could almost be anywhere
in the world, but there is nothing more identifying than
Maori culture. We're proud to bring this to the
world.” Te Puia|NZMACI hosted the opening powhiri
and media event on Tuesday, and will also be the site of the
start line for the Giant Toa Enduro race this Saturday.
Other carvings and waharoa have been installed on the
slopestyle start line, as well as dotted throughout the
course. -ends-