Carvings welcomed to hospice

19 December 2011
Messages of thanks, acknowledgement of the talented Auckland Prison carvers and comments on the uplifting ceremony to bless the three works installed at the North Shore Hospice in November flooded into Tina Parata's inbox.

Tina Parata, Kaiawhina at the North Shore Hospice, was a driving force behind the project, and one of the hospice community members who met with Mark Lynds, Northern Region Corrections Facility, and the prison carving group to talk about the hospice and the commissioned project.

Speaking at the dawn ceremony, Tina thanked the carvers for their wonderful gift. “As a result of these treasures, we now have a taonga policy. This will ensure that the story of each taonga gifted to us remains – even after those who are here now move on from Hospice North Shore.”

Tina went on to say that at times she has felt lonely working at the hospice. “But now, I feel like I will have some whanau with me here at all times.  Therefore, just as I promise to be the kaitiaki of these taonga, I know they will also be the kaitiaki of me, and all who enter into our whare.”

The works were a pou (carved pole), installed in the garden in front of the hospice; a pare (lintel) placed over the entranceway; and a painting hanging inside in the reception area.

Together, the works tell the hospice’s story and illustrates the four aspects of Māori health: Taha Wairua (spiritual wellbeing), Taha Hinengaro (mental wellbeing), Taha Tinana (physical wellbeing) and Taha Whanau (social wellbeing).
Some of the email comments include:

• “All who see your clever work will be blessed and humbled.”
• "An awesome korowai particularly for Māori, who enter this whare.”
• “They look absolutely stunning and take pride of place in the hospice.”
• “Although I am from a different culture, I believe I can feel the mana from them and their significance to us all.”
• “Perfect in every way. I feel very privileged and honoured to receive these carvings.”