THE RANGATIRA 

HE TOHU MAHARATANGA MŌ TĒNEI KAUMĀTUA RANGATIRA O HAURAKI

 Tēnei kaumātua o neherā i te wā i hikoi te whenua kī mai o mātou tīpuna i werowerohia ai te whenua ki tāna taiaha.     Ka ihi mai te wai ka tapaia ai te ingoa ko Waihīhī i muri iho ka whakarāpototanga te ingoa Waihīhī ko Waihī. 

History tells us that in the early Māori occupation of the area a Rangatira of Hauraki struck the ground with his taiaha and water gushed from it. He then named the area “Waihihi” which means “gushing water”. This statue commemorates that event. Over the years the name Waihihi has been shortened to Waihi.

Sculpture by Michael Weir 2001 

Statue Unveiling - Waihi

Waihi’s latest bronze statue was unveiled on Wednesday, May 30th. The statue of the Rangatira, was placed in position above Seddon St opposite the Anglican Church in the early morning but remained shrouded in black polythene and under guard until the ceremony in the late afternoon.   At the ceremony, prayers were said by kaumatua on behalf of the tangata whenua and the figure was unveiled to reveal the magnificent bronze work by Michael Weir.  The Rangatira is standing slightly stooped, and striking the ground with his taiaha to reveal water gushing out of the ground.  This commemorates the naming of Waihi.  A bronze plaque was also unveiled and read out in Maori and English describing the event. 

Those present, apart from interested locals, included the press, Councillors, the Mayor, Iwi representatives from both the wider area and locally, and the artist whose work was being uncovered together with his mother.  Both Mr. Weir and his mother appeared to be delighted with the praise that was being lavished on the work.

For those who have not yet seen the sculpture it is well worth a visit and to remind you, it is located above the millennium wall just before you get to the poppet head.