Welcome to Wainuiomata

SGB Construction was privileged to be given the opportunity to work with Love Wainuiomata in the completion of long awaited ‘Welcome to Wainuiomata’ sign. Wainuiomata is a large suburb in the valley behind Seaview, and while it is out of the way for the average Wellingtonian, it has a population of some 17,000 proud Wainui locals, and its own culture, history and even microclimate. In order to reflect this, the sign was around 8 years in the making, and is quite the feat of artistry and engineering.

The design of the carved pou is the work of local artist Tamariki Ferguson, who submitted for, and won a competition in 2015. Wainuiomata is a diverse community and the four heads represent the four winds which have brought its people together. The four heads are named after four landmarks overlooking Wainuiomata - Ōrongorongo, Turakirae, Pukeatua, and Rimutaka. The sign itself displays three curved lines, symbolic of the rivers that flow through the valley.

It is no simple feat to source aged Kauri logs and carve them into pou, but the decision to do so reflects both the Tangata Whenua and the history of saw-mills and carpentry in the valley. Carver Tiaki Dahm carved these two stunning pieces.

SGB took the role as head contractor for the install itself, working in with tricky traffic management on the busy hill, structural engineers, steel fabricators and Love Wainuiomata. Cultural considerations were present throughout. We were advised that the sign should be covered from sight from the road until its powhiri, and we co-ordinated with the local community for karakea to be said over the site at various stages. Standing the pou also was an exercise in problem solving, as they were huge and heavy, but we could obviously not fix directly into them. We built special cradles to allow the crane to lift them into place. Tiaki also oversaw the concreting, to make sure the base was designed in line with his vision for a garden.

The positive feedback from the community was incredible, and this will go down as one of our most rewarding jobs. Many of our crew live over the hill and so will be driving past the sign every day. Ben would go on to do Tiaki’s Whakiro (traditional carving) class in the months following. He carved a wheku, under Tiaki’s guidance, which is now on the office wall. Ben felt privileged to learn the basics of traditional carving in this class, and another 20 hours on a chisel has only improved his carpentry skills. Tiaki’s Whakiro evening classes are based at Wainuiomata intermediate school and open to the public. We have much interest in the company for the next one however, so be quick off your mark!