Kia ora! 

Want to learn more about this carving? You’ve come to the right place e hoa.

Carver: Dr Ash Puriri, Master Carver, Ngaati Kahungunu, Ngaati Rongomaiwahine, Ngaati Tuuwharetoa, Ngaati Porou, Ngaapuhi

Maahanga, 2024

This carving is a tribute to Maahanga and Waikato iwi, in recognition of the whakapapa of Wayne McLean, founding member and Trust Chair of the National Hauora Coalition at the time this carving was unveiled.

Maahanga was a key ancestor in Waikato, the hapuu – Ngaati Maahanga is named after him, he is an 11th generation descendant of Hoturoa, the captain of Tainui waka. Maahanga was one of the first chiefs to settle in the Waikato area. He was a brave warrior and news of his conquests spread near and far. Maahanga was known as a nomad who never stayed in one place for long, hence the proverb: “Maahanga whakarere kai, whakarere waka, whakarere waahine” – Maahanga who abandons food, canoes and women.