Maori Rock Carvings

One from when we were in Taupo earlier this year is this Maori Rock Carving which is only accessible via water on a boat. We booked a charter with other tourists and headed out to Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay.

This is not classed as historical as it was carved in the late 1970s by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell after he had completed his 10 year training with Maori elders. He then came to his grandmother's land at Lake Taupo to mark the occasion. He decided to carve a likeness of Ngatoroirangi (who was an early explorer to the area over a thousand years ago) and also carved 2 smaller celtic figures on either side (you might just be able to spot them) which depict the south wind.

The main carving is over 10 metres high and took 4 Summers to complete. The artwork is is Matahi's gift to Taupo. He and 4 assistants Te Miringa Hohaia, Steve Myhre, Dave Hegglun, and cousin Jono Randell took no payment other than small change donations from local bar patrons to cover the cost of scaffolding.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday and All Seasons

Grace Brothers

We have 2 new chickens, both black ladies. If any of you are familiar with British comedy tv shows you will recognize the names we have given them. This one is named Miss Brahms. And this one is named Mrs Slocombe. At the moment we have them in a temporary shelter next to the Special Patrol Group that we've had for the last 9 months just so they can get to know each other before we intigrate the black ones in with the brown ones. These ones give us a white coloured egg whereas the brown shavers give us brown coloured eggs. Linking up with Tuesday Treasures , Happy Tuesdays and Wordless Wednesday .

Auckland Metropolis Museum

In amongt the modern new highrise buildings in Auckland City is this smaller vintage building that is currently for sale (I'd buy it if I had the money). My research found that: "It was designed by English-born architect Charles Towle and erected in the early 1930s as the Church of Christ, Scientist, the building's Graeco-Roman facade has towering columns that frame its impressive entranceway, with three ornate timber doors decorated with leadlight inserts providing access to the expansive foyer. Arched ceilings dominate the former congregational high stud space beyond the foyer and numerous picturesque windows provide a light, airy feel and an ambience many office buildings lack. The building housed congregational and Sunday school services for 70 years until it was sold and converted into office space in 2003. A significant refurbishment was also carried out with care taken to ensure that the building's distinctive character remained intact. Special architectural ...

Westland Explorer's Monument

In the nearby town of Hokitka (half an hour away) is the cemetery with this monument near the entranceway. It commemorates 4 men who lost their lives between 1863 and 1866 ; George Dobson - road engineer, murdered in 1866 Charlton Howitt - explorer, drowned in Lake Brunner 1863 Charles Townsend - drowned at Greymouth (probably in the Grey River) 1863 Henry Whitcombe - surveyor, drowned in the Taramakau River in 1863 Construction of the memorial started 1868 and the railings were added in 1869. Linking up with Mosaic Monday .

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