The Wero and Taki installation at the Russell Wharf was been a long-held dream of the Kororāreka Marae Committee and the Wharf Trust was pleased to work in partnership with them on this significant installation, which finally provides visibility of the Maori culture, people who lived here for centuries before Europeans discovered this fishing village with excellent anchorage.

The Waharoa greets people as they arrive in the small town and celebrates the many chiefs and their whanau who either made their home or visited this extraordinary meeting place.

The installation of the Wero is intended to be visible to vessels arriving from the seaward end of the Wharf as they approach Russell.  It is the ‘outer guard’ who will welcome visitors but will also put down the challenge that should visitors misbehave there will be consequences (see the Patu behind his back). Offering a challenge to our manuhiri or visitors as they arrive in our historic town, asking: ‘Do you come with good intentions?’ Welcoming you to our whenua but challenging you to please respect our land, our ocean, and the people of the North.

The carving was done by Tony Mahika of Mystix Studio.

For more information about the meaning of the carvings, both the Waharoa and Taki, please visit the Kororareka Marae website.