Restoration work is set to begin on the Tauihu (canoe prow carving) ‘Tūranga Whakamana’ at Heipipi Endeavour Park, a significant cultural landmark gifted to the people of Gisborne in 1990.

The Tauihu was designed by Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp and Tā Derek Lardelli, and carved by Nepia-Clamp and Bill Baker. It symbolises the ancestral journey of Māori and Polynesian voyagers across the Pacific Ocean to Aotearoa.

Gisborne District Council’s Cultural Activities Manager, Pene Walsh, says the restoration is a vital step in preserving the region’s cultural heritage.

“The Tauihu is a powerful representation of the whakapapa and voyaging history of the area. After nearly 30 years without regular maintenance, it’s time to honour the legacy and ensure it stands strong for future generations.”

The restoration will be led by original designer and carver Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp. Work will begin December 2025 and is expected to be completed by April 2026, depending on weather conditions. The site will be fenced off during the work, but the public is welcome to visit and observe the progress over summer.

The Tauihu sits on the historical site of Heipipi village, at the corner of Gladstone Road and Customhouse Street. It was unveiled and blessed in 1990 as part of the 150-year commemoration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“This is more than a conservation project,” says Ms Walsh. “It’s a chance to reconnect with the stories of our region.”

© Scoop Media