Our opening powhiri

Soon after we purchased the property where The Heke stands today, we invited George Kahu, Waiheke Kaumatua and our cultural advisor, to come and walk over the land with us.

Our Pou

He explained how in the past iwis would use the wet land at the bottom of the property to push their waka up and over the hill to the other side of the island in search of more favourable wind and sea conditions. Artist Anton Forde agreed to sculpt some pou for the entrance, one slightly smaller, round, inviting, the Wahine. The other big, square, strong, Tane, saying come in, but respect this place and it’s people.

At the start of the path 3 more Pou stand and beckon - smaller pou who signify the children of our whanau and the kids who visit The Heke. They signify having fun! Joy and family good times are the heart of The Heke.

On the way up the path to the entrance we pass another sculpture, a taonga of pounamu imbedded in basalt rock, which water trickles over, relaying the meaning of heke, to trickle, descend… This sculpture was named Koko Tangi Wai, in honour to both the late Christopher Hindmarsh and George Kahi.

Kaumatua Harley Wade agreed to carry out the Powhiri at The Heke when it opened, to bless the land for everyone that had been on it before and prepare it for who was now coming. The fact that The Heke relates firmly to whanau, relaxation and happy times made the Powhiri even more special.

The Heke is here for the long term. We look forward to seeing you here soon!