Waitā
Waita (Taygeta) is the star Maori associate with salt water, and all the creatures and food that comes from the sea. It is a male star that holds the essence of the food in the oceans. Expert Maori astronomers will observe its appearance during the rising of Matariki in the Maori New Year to predict what the upcoming shing, gathering, and harvesting seasons will be like.
Waita is a predictor of kai moana (sea food), and is the brother of the star Waiti. The design features a wave across Waita’s arms, which depicts the ocean’s water line. Above the water line are manaia, the spiritual kaitiaki (guardians), representing hoiho and other penguins popping out of the water as they swim. The amo (side posts) represent the resident whales and pahu (Hector’s dolphins), the kaitiaki of the bay. Below the waterline is the sea life that provides sustenance. On the left side of the maihi (barge boards) is Tane, atua (god) of the forests and birds, and on the right is Tangaroa, atua of the sea. Tane manifests himself in the petri ed wood forests at Curio Bay. The hill this pou stands upon and the nearby Waikawa River headlands are called Whakapikiarero. The pou faces north-east, where the bright star Puaka (Rigel) and Matariki rise during mid-winter.
Artists
Steve Solomon – Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe, Waitaha, Te Arawa, Te Whanau-a-Apanui