Famous Bird woman takes flight again!
One of Te Arawa's most famous ancestors, the legendary Bird woman Kurungaituku, takes flight again, this time hovering
over the new main entrance way to Rotorua's largest tourist attraction, Te Puia, formerly the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts
Institute, in the Whakarewarewa geothermal reserve.
Visitors to Te Puia are greeted by this magnificent carving crafted on site by students from the carving school under
the tutelage of Master Carve Clive Fugill.
Te Puia's CEO Andrew Te Whaiti says" Kurungaituku is personified in the huge carving hovering over the walkway into Te
Puia, with the eight carved posts holding her up, telling the story of her famous counterpart, the legendary
Hatupatu.Visitors can hear about their famous adventures throughout the geothermal valley from our guides and enjoy new
audio and sounds as they enter Te Puia."
He says "it's also a magnificent piece of craftsmanship created by our students, a fact which we're extremely proud of.
We've invested close to a million dollars in Maori art works which will be integrated into the unique design of our new
facility's, and as such is the largest artwork schedule currently under production in NZ.
Other developments underway include new nature walks featuring interactive signage with spectacular viewing platforms
offering memorable photo shots of the valley and its natural geothermal wonders.
Newly installed Maori word signs also help engage those with inquisitive minds. Te Whaiti says that construction of the
new interactive facilities and schools of learning is ahead of schedule and on track to have some of these up and
running for the new summer season beginning October. With the new car park set to open on October 18th, the much
anticipated influx of inquisitive guests is sure to be catered for.
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