Taupo master carver recognised at last for spectacular modern Maori lake artwork

CELEBRATION: Master carver and artist Matahi Whakataka Brightwell, pictured with one of his grandchildren, at his carving of Ngatoroirangi in Mine Bay, Lake Taupo. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

It has been four long decades coming, but master carver Matahi Whakataka Brightwell is happy his sculpture of the great navigator and high priest Ngatoroirangi is finally gaining the recognition that is its due.

The importance of the sculpture to Mr Brightwell, his iwi and to the Taupo district was affirmed last week with a blessing of the spectacular modern Maori carving in Mine Bay, Taupo, with Mr Brightwell and his family in attendance.

The sculpture of Ngatoroirangi, and the smaller sculptures of tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians) nearby were created in the 1970s by Mr Brightwell and a team of four others: Jono Randell, Te Miringa Hohaia, Dave Hegglun and Steve Myhre. It was at the request of Mr Brightwell's grandmother, Te Huatahi Susie Gilbert, who asked her grandson to create a likeness of Ngatoroirangi to create a permanent connection for her family to the land. With no suitable totara tree available, Mr Brightwell journeyed on to Lake Taupo for inspiration.

Nowadays the sculpture is one of New Zealand's most extraordinary artworks and a major drawcard for visitors to the area. And after initial controversy when the carvings were created, and concern over the wrong stories being told and lack of recognition, Mr Brightwell is happy the balance has finally been redressed. To celebrate he's created a smaller version, Ngatoroirangi Iti, on totara, which is on display in the Taupo i-Site Visitor Centre.

The master carver said the Mine Bay artwork had become a global symbol that represented the community and Taupo.

"I'm very happy about that.

"It's taken 40 years to recognise me as the artist and director and designer. I thought this day would never come and from my family they say it's never too late, so I work in full co-operation with the Destination Great Lake Taupo and the [tourist] operators. We have a very good collaboration and it's for a brighter future."

However Mr Brightwell's concerned about damage to the sculptures - he's distressed by what appear to be bullet marks above Ngatoroirangi's forehead - and he is looking for money to give the carvings, especially the smaller ones, "a major makeover".

He's also planning to return this summer to open Ngatoroirangi's eyes. When Mr Brightwell created Ngatoroirangi, he was so upset by the negativity that he left the sculpture's eyes blank.

"I didn't open his eyes because I didn't want him to see what was going on ... but I'll do it now."

He's hoping to get funding to do the makeover this summer and once it's done, he'll finish the left pupil on Ngatoroirangi-Iti, which he has purposely left unfinished until the larger sculpture is complete.

Destination Great Lake Taupo general manager Damian Coutts said the organisation worked with Mr Brightwell to produce videos and brochures telling the correct story of the carving for tourist operators to use, and Mr Brightwell also ran a wananga (workshop) for the operators to train them in more depth.

A koha box had been placed at the Taupo i-Site and many of the boat operators would also be installing them to collect donations for the carvings' restoration, he said.

The carvings provide a unique and meaningful visitor experience, he added.

"The thing I think is amazing about it is that it's such a beautiful part of the lake. You get a chance to experience the lake from the water rather than the land and you get this amazing cultural story behind it."