February 27, 2019
Brightwell goes to the web for carving funds
Supporters of a plan to refresh and complete a 14 metre rock carving on Lake Taupō have created a Give-a-Little page to help fund the effort.
Master carver Matahi Whakataka Brightwell wants to tidy and repair the carvings as well as train a new generation of carvers for the artwork’s future maintenance.
Along with a team including Jono Randell, Te Miringa Hohaia, Dave Hegglun and Steve Myhre, Mr Brightwell created the towering sculpture of the great navigator and high priest Ngātoroirangi surrounded by other tūpuna and kaitiaki more than 40 years ago.
He says his grandmother, Te Huatahi Susie Gilbert, asked him to create a likeness of Ngātoroirangi to create a permanent connection for her family to the land, and with no suitable tōtara tree available, he journeyed on to Lake Taupō for inspiration.
The sculpture is now a major drawcard for visitors to the area and a Māori tourism icon.
Donations are welcomed at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/give-a-little-to-help-a-nz-treasure.
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