Manaakitanga at The Heke

Our carved Pou. Hekeiterangi, Hekemaru and behind them our manaakitanga ‘children’ pou.

‘Nau mai Haere mai Whakatau mai rā’

‘You are welcomed here this day’

Rangihoua or Putiki-o-Kahu ‘the top-knot of Kahu’ is the hill you can see straight across the valley from here. It is the most significant occupied site of Maori on Waiheke Island. Thousands of people made this fortified vantage point their home, over hundreds of years.

Here at The Heke you are greeted and farewelled by signage in both te reo (maori language) and English. You will see signage around the buildings in te reo too. 

We are proud to be guardians of this land, and proud of the art here in our grounds. Carved by renowned local artist Anton Forde, and blessed before we opened by Kaumatua (older men) and Kuia (older women) from the iwi (tribe) of Waiheke, Ngāti Pāoa. 

The first two art works you will see as you arrive into the property are Tipuna (ancestral) Pou. As females are traditionally the first to karanga (call to welcome visitors), ‘Hekeiterangi’ stands in front, where she represents welcome, nurture and warmth. Standing behind her is the male pou ‘Hekemaru’, who represents protection and support.

At the start of our entrance path are three manaakitanga children (tamariki) carvings, inviting you to enjoy the fun and hospitality of The Heke. In Maori, manaakitanga is the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others.

As you walk up the path you’ll see the cascading water stone artwork on your right hand side. This is named “Tangiwai” which translates to teardrop. Tears fall as we remember those we love, especially those who are no longer here. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Pounamu (greenstone) is seen as a taonga (treasured/sacred gift). The type of Pounamu in this work is Tangiwai (Bowenite) and is known for its beautiful translucent glasslike qualities. Tangiwai translated means Water tears. The dark stone is a combination of Ōnewa/ Basalt and Obsidian found on the cliff at Onetangi Beach nearby. 

We invite you to stop, take a breath and remember; touch the stone, honour where you have come from and reflect on where you are now.

We are here to welcome you, look after you, and make sure you have a great time.