Artwork installed in the new Gore library has been blessed.
Hokonui Runanga cultural adviser Matu-Taera Coleman-Clarke officiated at the blessing, performed before those who had been part of designing, building and installing the artwork, as well as Gore District Mayor Ben Bell, councillors and invited guests earlier this week.
The library opened earlier this year before the artwork was finished.
The work includes five panels designed by Tuatahi Creatives and information panels explaining them.
Adhesive vinyl patterns designed by the organisation and made and installed by Jim Marshall of AdMore Designs also feature on some of the glass surfaces.
Tuatahi Creatives owner Jordan Tuhura, of Queenstown, said the theme of the panels related to mahinga kai or the gathering of food by tangata whenua in the Hokonui area.
The five natural realms of sky, sea, river, bush and land, where Maori collected food and the wildlife found there, were represented.
‘‘In totality, they represent the natural environment of this place.’’
Some of the patterns depicted how the different realms were connected and some represented the kaitiaki or guardians of the realm.
The design related well to the purpose of a library, which provided food for the mind, he said.
‘‘It is likening it to the gathering of knowledge, and so people go to different parts of this library and get sustenance.’’
Hokonui Runanga kaiarihi taiao Riki Parata said the artwork was one way for the runanga to become more visual on the cultural landscape.
One of the library rooms was named after Kati Mamoe chief Tutema kohu.
‘‘Having our tipuna Tutema kohu up on the main room there is pretty special to us.’’
Library manager Lorraine Weston-Webb said the artwork was a ‘‘huge effort’’ with many people working on it, but not all at the same time.
She had received many positive comments about the work.
People could fill in a survey form so library staff could report back to the Department of Internal Affairs, who provided funding for the artwork.
