Haeata | The Dawning: Public Realm Commission

Kōpū invites expressions of interest from Toi Māori practitioners to design a permanent or semi-permanent public art installation in the heart of Whakatū. Just as Kōpū (Venus) signals the approach of a new day, this commission seeks a work that embodies transition, transformation, and the promise of a future where our shared spaces reflect our rich whakapapa.

The successful artist will work alongside iwi leaders and urban designers to create a piece that integrates into the city's "Bridge to Better" revitalization or the new "Playspace Whakatū." We are looking for concepts that move beyond decoration, instead acting as a "haeata" (a beam of light) that guides the community toward a reimagined sense of place.

The commission aims to:

Elevate Visibility: Place Toi Māori at the center of the urban experience.

Tell Local Stories: Express the specific narratives and identity of the eight iwi of Te Tauihu.

Enhance Connection: Create a point of interaction that invites residents and visitors to engage with the cultural landscape of the rohe.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Māori artists across all disciplines, including sculpture, digital media, landscape design, and architectural interventions. We encourage both established practitioners and emerging voices who wish to leave a lasting legacy on the built environment of Whakatū.