Having undergone a long journey from relocation to restoration, a new chapter for Raahui Pookeka | Huntly railway station was marked last week with the blessing and unveiling of a Pou. Pou are carved wooden posts that symbolise guardianship and, here, tell the story of how Raahui Pookeka was given its name.

Community members, mana whenua, Waikato District Council staff, Deputy Mayor Carolyn Eyre, and members of the Huntly Railway Committee gathered last Wednesday for the special ceremony at the historic station, which is being restored as a community museum.

Crafted by respected Rangatira and Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga art teacher Patrick Takoko, and blessed by Harley Raihe, Pou Tikanga Maaori Partnerships at Waikato District Council, the Pou stands as a powerful symbol which commemorates the past and inspires future generations.

“The tomokanga, or entranceway, of the Pou represents the story of how Raahui Pookeka got its name and speaks of the tuna (eel),” says Harley.

“Historically, tuna were overfished in the local river, and in response, the chief placed a raahui, or ban, on tuna fishing to protect and replenish this important food source.”

According to the koorero shared at the event, the chief marked the raahui by creating a Pou and wrapping it in strands of harakeke from his pookeka, a rain cloak made of flax.

As time went on and the tuna replenished, the chief drove the Pou into the ground, symbolising the end of the raahui and giving rise to the name Raahui Pookeka.

The new Pou unveiled at the station tells this story through its detailed carvings, with the left side of the tomokanga depicting the time when tuna were scarce, while the right side shows the abundance of tuna that returned after the raahui.

On each side of the Pou are two stainless steel panels, free from Maaori patterns, symbolising the wider community and the importance of working together.

Hori Awa, CEO of Waahi Whaanui Trust and mana whenua representative, supported the blessing by sharing heartfelt memories of his father’s long service at the railway station, bringing a personal touch to the event.

Deputy Mayor Carolyn Eyre says the unveiling is another meaningful milestone in the transformation of the Raahui Pookeka station into a local museum.

“This Pou tells a powerful story and anchors the station as an integral part of the community.

“It’s been a long journey, but we can’t wait to see the new museum open later this year, paying further homage to the past, present and future of Raahui Pookeka.”

Community members and tourists alike will be able to visit the brand-new museum when it opens later this year to learn about the cultural and historical significance of Raahui Pookeka.

To read more about the journey of the railway station and the original 1939 heritage building that has been repurposed as the museum, visit the website below.

https://museum.huntly.co.nz/the-new-museum/

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