Tamaki Pà 2006 - 07 One of the unique aspects of Auckland’s landscape, the place I call my Hometown, are the numerous volcanoes nestled amongst its suburban sprawl. Today they are popular recreational spaces enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Each site is an excellent vantage point from which to appreciate the spectacular panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf as well as across the expansive Waitemata and Manukau harbours. There is plenty to ponder when considering the easily accessible Màori archeological evidence found in this area. Once one is aware that the shape and contour of each volcano has been created by generations of Màori well before European contact, the volcanoes themselves become somewhat symbolic. When I view these photographs of Man-Made earth works within their environment and consider them collectively, a narrative unfolds describing a pre-colonial traditional Màori way of life practiced, it feels, not that very long ago. This Tamaki Pà is a series of images that attempt to interprets Màori activities and events in relation to modern-day surrounds and documents subject matter such as significant earthworks, fortifications, food storage (kumara) pits, gardens, stone walls and living quarters. While Màori Pa sites are considered significant geographic and cultural monuments, such as the cluster I have photographed, they deserve greater protection and respect for the national treasures they are.
Wayne Wilson Wong Tamaki Pa series is reproduced on archival C-Type and FujiFlex paper at numerous sizes. Editions of # |
