January 19, 2018
Dowse Pataka to get some love
Lower Hutt’s Dowse Art Museum is looking for a researcher to help with the restoration of its historic pataka.
Director Courtney Johnston says Nuku Tewhatewha was built in Naenae in 1856 as a gesture of support for the Kingitanga movement which was emerging as a voice of resistance to pressure to sell land.
It was carved by a team under Horonuku of Ngati Tuwharetoa for Wi Tako Ngatata of Te Atiawa, Ngati Ruanui and Taranaki iwi.
It’s the only one of seven pataka carved as pillars of the Kingitanga that remains intact.
Morrie Love, a descendant of Wi Tako, said the pataka is a storehouse of the ideology of Maori land, and reflects the discussions among tribes at the time on how to retain the land.
The museum is working with the Love whanau and Te Papa representatives to find a researcher who can assist with preparing new explanatory panels and interactive displays.
The aim is to complete the restoration project, which is funded by a $148,500 allocation from Hutt City Council, by early 2019, when Wellington hosts Te Matatini Maori performing arts festival.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com