A second huge project for manawhenua carvers Ngā Whao Tapu o Tāmaki Makaurau, as the lintel was unveiled at the opening of Devonports new library, Te Pātaka Kōrero o Te Hau Kapua.
The old Devonport Library was built in 1953 and has been extended and renovated at various times.
Hauauru Rawiri from Ngāti Paoa says, "Thanks to Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Maru, Marutūāhu, Ngāti Whātua, Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāi Tai and Ngāti Tai. These are the tribes who made this a reality, who carried out the ceremony and carved the adornments."
Prayers were recited at the dawn blessing for the opening of the new Devonport Library, Te Pātaka Kōrero o Te Hau Kapua.
Rawiri says, “It's a name that has been supported by all the mana whenua tribes here in Auckland, recognising the arrival of the Tainui waka to the North Shore.”
Local carvers, Ngā Whao Tapu o Tāmaki Makaurau, have a passion and belief that all who pass under the lintel shall absorb all the knowledge within this house.
Carver Rewi Spraggon says, “The carvings tell the history of the area, the mountains; Maungauika, Takarunga, Takararo, which refers to a net cast being out into the bays. It was originally called Ngā Poitō o Te Keretū.”