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The Navigator

Image by Merel Rip

Kaiwhakatere: The Navigator

Artist Brett Graham
Year
Location On the grass, at the bottom of the Terrace across Bowen Street
Tour directions From the Cenotaph turn around in and walk in the direction of the gate, the entrance to the parliament grounds. Wander up toward the Beehive. On the far left of the round building you will find a footpath going to the back of the building. Take this path. Walking down the steps on the other side, you can see The Navigator on the lawn.

Our Blue Canoe

Pacific Islanders are building replicas of original canoes to cross the ocean with an environmental message. They use old navigation techniques passed on by generations of navigators.

Sculpture background

"The sculptures are based on the old tools of navigation. They acknowledge the site as original shoreline; where canoes were launched and kaimoana (seafood) gathered; the presence of the two papakainga (habitation) in the vicinity, Pipitea and Kumototo; and the proximity of Parliament in the present day."

"The navigator is very highly respected as pathfinder and innovator for visionary qualities necessary for discerning leadership.

"The three robust granite block shapes represent a bird's head (manu), a waka (canoe) and tuahu (altar). The bird's head guides the traveller. It stands as a symbol of our inheritance in this land and of the future and the paths we may follow. The waka or crescent moon shape symbolises a hopeful new beginning. The canoe suggests embarking on a journey, as did our ancestors, Maori and Pakeha. The tuahu, an altar of stones, built on arrival in a new land, suggests promises and challenges."

Brett Graham