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Make Rocks Sing -- book launch


Media Release

Make Rocks Sing -- book launch

5.30pm Monday 18th June at Whangarei Art Museum.

The Whangarei Art Museum will present the publication Make Rocks Sing Stunning photographic images by Kim Cohen, Midori Matsumura and text by Scott Pothan.

'Northland has been a place of arrivals, and departures - a meeting place of cultures for more than a millennium.' This publication traces the journey from idea to exciting reality outlining the twists and turns of a project which took on a life of its' own.

In November 1996 Scott Pothan wrote to Northland's foremost sculptor Chris Booth, at that time working on a commission in Australia.

The idea was discussed further on his brief return to New Zealand early 1997, with many meetings over the next 18 months with the art museum Kaitiaki and tohunga whakairo Te Warihi Hetaraka.

The project proposal and concept drawings were presented to council in July 1998. In the proposal Chris Booth wrote:

"The statement of the sculpture would be bicultural and profoundly imbued with features relevant to local history, society today, geology and geography. It is the intention of the artists that this millennium project is a community supported project with consultation as a major factor"

The project, a partially submerged waka in the inner reaches of Hatea River, initially seemed doomed, however, over time interest grew and eventually the district council gave support following an impassioned, articulate request was made by Chris Booth.

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The land-based location on the Town Basin peninsula was selected because of its' underlying significance as a meeting place, a site where chiefs of Tai Tokerau drew up their waka taua before leaving for battle, and a site which acknowledged Parihaka Pa site above in addition to encouraging further development of the successful Town Basin redevelopment to the end of the peninsula.

The first sod was turned to a karakia on the dawn of Thursday 20th March 2003 - a long awaited day of beginnings.

The design concept worked through over the years by Chris Booth and Te Warihi Heteraka is visionary and compelling.

Interest around the New Zealand has been high and the publication too, has already gained praise. The sculpture awarded a commendation from the Human Rights Commission in 2006 and has been nominated for a Creative Places Award in 2007.

The completed sculpture was blessed at dawn for Matariki on Saturday July 2nd 2006 by Te Warihi Hetaraka and Te Ihi Tito and a large attendance of kamatua and kuia, and dedicated by HW the Mayor Pamela Peters and Hon Judith Tizard Assoc Minister of Arts Culture and Heritage.

Together with the two artists, civic dignitaries, Parliamentarians and museum professionals from all over New Zealand, and the Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres.

Ancient karakia and whakawatea were recited as several hundred people witnessed the tapu lifting. As dawn broke and the mist lifted off the Hatea River, a flotilla of waka including the Whanau Moana and waka ama commanded by iconic Northlander, master of Pacific migration, Hekenuikumai Busby's team preceeded the official opening ceremony.

A lone Scottish piper led the civic procession to the site of the sculpture as the flotilla of waka followed along the river to spontaneous chants and challenges.

Waka & Wave at Hihiaua Point has become a visual symbol of cultural maturity in Northland and the nation. The site has become a focus for community events for, children and leisure activity - even marriages.

An exhibition to accompany the booklet is on display from 18th June until 12th August 2007. The booklet is available from the art museum, Parsons Bookshop Auckland and Tuatara Whangarei, and The Piggery Bookshop Whangarei. Retail $10.00

The exhibition will be on-line to view on the Whangarei Art Museum website (www.whangareiartmuseum.co.nz). For more information and images contact Whangarei Art Museum . Ph. (09) 430 4240

ENDS

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