Waipunārangi
Waipunarangi (Electra) is a female star Maori associate with rain and is connected to rains and other atmospheric conditions. Expert Maori astronomers will observe its appearance during the rising of Matariki in the Maori New Year to predict how the rain and weather patterns might affect the productivity of water and land resources.
Waipunarangi means “water that pools in the sky”, and is the star connected to ua (rain). Waipunarangi is the sister of Ururangi, at Slope Point. The entire sculpture is an embodiment of Waipunarangi, with the mask (koruru) in the centre and the shoulders, arms and legs forming the outer ring. The fingers extend from the sides. The centre disc is reflective, with a poutama design in the outer ring depicting rainfall coming down. The top and bottom halves of the ring are reflected in a mirror image. Local freshwater species of tuna (eel) are shown moving through flowing water in the side pieces, with the mouths of the tuna open at the top. The corten steel layers of the sculpture will react to rain, creating a rusty patina that leaves a visual depiction of the effects of Waipunarangi on her surroundings.
Artists
Steve Solomon – Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe, Waitaha, Te Arawa, Te Whanau-a-Apanuire