Welcome to the Papakura Whale Tales
We have two whale tails around town.
SPONSORED BY the Papakura Business Association in collaboration with the Papakura Local Board.
Papakura's Tails
Sacred Taonga
Pascal Atiga, né Bridger- Wharepapa | Tainui, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui
Location: Papakura Town Centre in front of Farmers
This Whale Tail design speaks of the relationship between the whale and the kauri tree. In Māori mythology, Tāne, god of the forest, gifted the whale to Tangaroa, god of the sea; this is how the kauri tree has its distinct scales for bark. This is exhibited on the sculpture through symmetrical design, with the colour blue representing the Hauraki Gulf.
Link to location here
Kaitiaki
Leroy Roberts | Ngāti
Kahungungu, Ngāti Porou,
Samoan
Location: Massey Park Pools – Papakura
My inspiration is the town I grew up in for 30 years and watching it change in terms of pollution. The front represents our waterways and the preservation of our ecosystem. The sides represent unity and creating awareness through cultural practices. The back represents ALL of us being kaitiaki (protectors) and playing our part to create a sustainable future for our children.
Link to location here
SPONSORED BY
The Papakura Business Association is
passionate about creating a vibrant, welcoming
and accessible metropolitan centre, celebrating its
unique community facilities, artworks, range of
retail and eateries, and convenient transport hub.
The various Association initiatives have helped make
Papakura not only a great place to visit, but a great
place to do business, live in and enjoy.