The Story of Pou Kapūa:

The story begins in the sacred house of knowledge. The Māori understands that all things created have the power of the Spirit. The Māori spirituality is such that the belief is that the supreme spirit, Matua Kore, enters into his descendants as a dream, whereby the land will appear like a pillar (Pou Kapūa), long as a white cloud – Aotearoa. An acknowledgment of the creation, the great migrations and a memorial to the explorers who attained, refined and passed on their knowledge.

The Spirit after death travels to the very end of the world to rest in peace. Certain tribes believe that as the Spirit moves over the land, its’ image Hei tīkī enters into all the trees that will be used for Whakairo (carving), such as the great Kauri of Tane. The Spirit continues its’ journey to the south, to the depths of Papatūānuku, enters the Pounamu (greenstone) and imprints its’ image within. The Spirit Hei tīkī then moves north, to the very end of the North Island, and leaves at a place known as Te Reinga Rerenga Wairua.

Pou Kapūa
Stand tall for Mankind. The Whakairo depicts the creation of the world, which will feature Ranginui, the Sky Father, and Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother. Their children will embrace its’ Korowai (cloak). Its’ feathers will represent the stories of creation.

Pou Kapūa
Reveal yourself, as you are the beginning, the birth of Īra Tangata for the past, and the present and the future.

Pou Kapūa
You stand here for today, and for tomorrow physically, mentally, spiritually to enhance all people with your intimate knowledge of whakairo.

Pou Kapūa
You will create a new cloak, woven by people of many nations, awakening essential awareness of a holistic dimension of the unseen world.

Pou Kapūa
Stand tall and be acknowledged, reaching tall for the sky. Your lofty magnificence acknowledged for all time.

Pou Kapūa
Help people to care for one another - that they may feel of the spirit of unity.
You are a miracle from the beginning of time. You still exist today and will continue to enlighten all in the future.

Pou Kapūa
Peace be with You. The miracle that is You ushers in the “never ending story”

Kia Manawanui, Kia Kaha, Kia Aroha, Ki te Tangata Kapūa (Ira Tangata).