Kowhaiwhai

Kowhaiwhai

Noelene Moana Ngawaka-Fortzer

3 December 1956 - 23 August 2017
Ngati Rehua ki Aotea 

Born and raised on Rangiahua, Aotea to Chris and Jane Ngawaka.  

As a full time resident on Aotea, Noelene was an accomplished weaver and well known local artist that designed and oversaw the Kowhaiwhai patterns and imagery used within the wharenui, Rehua, including the decorative pathway leading up to it. 

She was heavily involved in preparations for the completion and opening of Kawa Marae, and was instrumental in building bridges with locals and community support of Te Ao Maori on Aotea.

At the time of her passing, Noelene was leading a group of women tasked with the traditional weaving of the tukutuku panels to adorn and complete the inner walls of the wharenui, which we look forward to completing.

Pictured Right, Joelene Nepia (Daughter to Noelene) continues to keep her mothers legacy alive and shares the korero from these kowhaiwhai in the video below. 

The Pathway

The pathway to the Whare Tupuna. The diamond insets are made of paua shell depicting the Patiki (flounder), representing our hospitality and our ability as a hapu to accommodate and provide for manuhiri.       

Te Mangotihi, a Rehua kowhaiwhai

Te Mangotihi, a Rehua kowhaiwhai, signifies the watchful care of the Mako shark, a kaitiaki of the people of Aotea. 

The eyes of the mango are depicted in the koru along with the sharp nose of the shark which is the point before it curves into the koru. Interwoven is the wairua (in white) that flows from this realm down into the carvings of the tupuna.

There is tauparapara and stories about this Kaitiaki that have been called for safe passage or help on the sea to and from Aotea. 

This kowhaiwhai signals the prominent and important pathway of Te Motu o Aotea for sea voyaging

The long koru represent waka on the sea, their long travels and tells of the interaction by the people of Aotea with different iwi that travelled down the coast and would stop at Aotea. O Kupe, Oruawharo and other places on Aotea were named for Rangatira who visited at various times.

The continuous angular V shape is a representation of the islands and the wairua that flows through Aotea and outcrops.

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