Design Elements

Tātarakihi (Cicada)

The tātarakihi (cicada) tohu is a visual representation of aspirations in Wainuiomata to restore the dawn chorus. The beating of their wings is often used within toi to represent the energy of children and is a symbol used by Taranaki whānui finding its whakapapa in Parihaka.

We’re currently trialling the tātarakihi design with temporary materials in key routes between schools in the project area.

View our video to learn more about the titipounamu tohu.

Titipounamu (Rifleman)

The titipounamu (rifleman) tohu is another symbol of the dawn chorus that celebrates the predator control of Wainuiomata’s native forests. Predator control around Wainuiomata has created an environment where native species thrive.

You can find the titipounamu design on Te Hikoi Ararewa Wainuiomata Hill Shared Path.

View our video to learn more about the titipounamu tohu.

Tuna (Eel)

A tuna (eel) tohu is being used within the drainage reserve to reference the non-human elements that exist within te Taio, our environment. The Parkway/Konini/Totara drainage reserve contains parts of Black Creek which is a well-known spawning site for tuna, many of these tributaries have been redirected over the years that Wainuiomata has developed.

The tuna tohu can also be found as part of the seating design at the end of Rata Street.

The use of the tuna tohu within these areas is a reminder that we share Wainuiomata with non-human elements and if we are going to continue to see species like the tuna thrive, we must do our part.

View our video to learn more about the tuna tohu.

Ngā Kahui Mounga design

This design is a representation of Ngā Kahui Mounga: Taranaki, Rauhoto, Ruapehu, Tangariro, Ngauruhoe & Pihanga in the purakau of the formation of Te Whanaganui a tara.

Nga Kahui Mounga has been pulled from the Te Whata Kai o Māui - Wainuiomata (Cultural Narrative) written by Kura Moeahu and makes direct reference to this pūrakau.

Let me take you back in time immemorial, well before man walked this island. Ngā Kāhui Mounga, the mountain clan, were hauled from the great depths of Te Moananui a Kiwa (the great ocean of Kiwa) to calm the fish of Māui. Through ritual incantations gifted by Ranginui, Te Kāhui Mounga calmed the great fish from the summit of the gods, Pukeatua.

In the design each Mounga is represented by a singular Koru (pitau) spiral form. This talks about the journey and movement each Mounga took to reach Pukeatua.

This concept design was developed by local artist Tiaki Dahm. You can currently see it in the Wainuiomata Town Centre on the seats in front of the Community Hall and at tightened intersections as part of the semi-permanent Maru | Streets for People design.

Iti Awa

This concept design was developed by Hayley. It continues the narrative of the Mōmona design, representing the ripples from the main pools spreading out through the community.

Iti Awa can be found at tightened intersections as part of the semi-permanent design.

Mōmona Design

This design reimagines the mōmona (wetlands) that once covered Wainuiomata.

The mōmana of Wainuiomata were once used by Mana Whenua during times of conflict. Wahine and tamariki would traverse Pukeatua to find refuge from threats, as the mōmona were often hard to navigate, these spaces were considered a place of safety.

This design is intended to be applied on the road where intersections have been tightened where they will provide a similar function to the purakau presented above, offering safety and refuge for pedestrians at intersections as their journey moves them through road space.

This concept design was developed by Josh Ambler, Kaupapa Maori Design Officer, Urban Development, Hutt City Council.

Mōmana can be found at tightened intersections as part of the semi-permanent design.