Punatoto - The Life Force, Pita Rua Lagan

Punatoto - The Life Force is carved in totora. It comprises two panels and a centerpiece. Timber for the centerpiece came from a swamp on the Waira Plains representing a link with the South Island, while that for the two panels came from Tongariro National Park. The Picton based Pita Rua Lagan was commissioned by Māori International Ltd to produce the carving for the Reserve Bank, as one way of commemorating the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1990. The carver's theme for Punatoto - The Life Force represents in all nature's forces inter-related, in balance, and moving towards the focal point of security and comfort.  The carving was unveiled by Dr Donald T. Brash, Governor of the Reserve Bank, on 5th October 1991. The unveiling formed part of a traditional Māori dawn ceremony.

Wellington City Libraries wishes to thank Maribeth S. Coleman for the donation of ‘Public Art and Publically Accessible Art’.

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