Photo: Nga Hau E Wha Statue New Plymouth

A Nga Hau e Wha stone statue displayed outside of the New Plymouth War Memorial building in Taranaki, New Zealand.

Across the road outside of the New Plymouth War Memorial building in New Plymouth on the North Island of New Zealand stands a statue called the Nga Hau e Wha. This stone statue represents the four winds of Tawhirimatea (Gold of the Winds). The South wind (Te Hau Tonga), the North wind (Te Hau RakiP), the East wind (Te Hau Rawhiti) and the last one being the West wind (Te Hau aa Uru).

When you have a close look at the statue, you can see how the legs and arms twist around each which symbolizes the journey of all the different directions. The figures that are used in the statue are from Taranaki carvings that are kept in the Puke Ariki collection.

The Nga Hau e Wha stone statue was carved during the 2000 Millennium Celebrations for the sole purpose of being a gift. This gift was given to the New Plymouth District Council for Puke Ariki by Te Kupenga Stone Symposium Society.

When visiting New Plymouth on the North Island of New Zealand be sure not to bypass the Nga Hau e Wha statue as it is full of meaning and creativity. ... continue below the picture...

This picture is part of the photo album "New Plymouth" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.

... The message that it carries is meant for people throughout the world as it is symbolic of being a meeting place. The Maori cultures and traditions are very intriguing and every statue that is made has a vast amount of meaning and history to it.

Nga Hau e Wha Stone Scuplture, Taranaki, New Zealand, North Island, Puke Ariki