Ngāti Tūwharetoa Atrium Wall Artwork, Taupō (2024)

Collaborators:

• Artist: Len Hetet

• Client: Ngāti Tūwharetoa

• Main Contractor: Watts & Hughes

• Creative Production Partner: Human Dynamo Workshop

Bringing multiple visions together

The iwi’s vision was for the wall to tell their story through carved Māori designs and artworks, developed by a panel of four artists. We quickly saw the importance of unifying these distinct artistic voices into a single, coherent composition that would do justice to the iwi’s narrative and aspirations.

To support this, we recommended involving Len Hetet, a Wellington-based artist and member of Ngāti Tūwharetoa with whom we have worked extensively. Len collaborated with each artist - individually and as a group - digitising their pencil sketches, extracting key elements, and shaping an overall composition for the wall.

A collaborative and consultative process: Throughout the project, all artists remained engaged and consulted. We regularly shared digital renders and samples, sought feedback, and priced components transparently with the client. Working closely with the main contractor, Watts & Hughes, we ensured the fabrication and installation would align with the wider building schedule and requirements.

Innovation and materiality: Much of the artwork was CNC-carved from thermally modified timber, finished with paint for durability and effect. We also integrated contemporary materials, including acrylic, aluminium and Autex sound-insulating panels.

Key features of the artwork

• A maramataka (lunar calendar) tracing the moon’s phases

• A near full-scale waka (canoe), 16 meters long, with intricately carved taurapa (stern) and tauihu (prow)

• A bold anewanewa (rainbow)

• On the ground floor, large-scale representations of the iwi's tipuna (ancestors), including Ngātoroirangi, Tia and representations of local maunga (mountains) and rivers

• A 7.5-metre pou, representing an upturned tree from local tradition.

The design, guided by Len Hetet’s vision, draws the viewer’s eye from the ground floor

upwards - creating a sense of awe and inviting viewers to follow the iwi’s story as it

ascends the wall.

Challenges and successes

A key challenge was the project’s tight timeframe: the iwi had tried other approaches but turned to us late in the process, needing the work completed in time for the building’s opening. Through careful planning, transparent communication, and a committed team effort, we delivered the artworks on time and within budget.

A moment of meaning

Witnessing the completed artworks unveiled to Ngāti Tūwharetoa was a moving experience for our entire team. Seeing the iwi’s tipuna represented at such a significant scale - and the genuine appreciation from the iwi - underscored the cultural importance of the project and our role in helping bring these stories to life.