September 13, 2017
Artists bring Ngai Tahu vision to new courts
A new justice precinct in Christchurch opened this week has used design and artwork to embody the major role Ngai Tahu and its Otautahi hapu Ngai Tuahuriri have played in the city rebuild.
Ngai Tuahuriri upoko Te Maire Tau says as an anchor project Te Omeka needed to demonstrate care for the citizens of the city and encourage warmth and a sense of welcome.
Significant artworks include an 8 metre high, 36 metre long aluminium screen by Ngai Tahu artist Lonnie Hutchinson which wraps around the precinct carpark like a kakapo feather cloak, with native planting below giving the impression of a whariki mat with a zigzag taniko pattern.
Another Ngai Tahu artist, Fayne Robinson, has developed an entrance portal and carvings for the new Maori Land Court.
Other works by the pair are scattered through the complex.
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