About the sculpture
The striking 12-metre-high sculpture in the centre of the roundabout is called Te Manu Rangimaarie (bird of peace).
Celebrating the connection between hapū and iwi to the land and river, the mythical manu (bird) was designed by renowned Waikato artist Fred Graham and built in the Hamilton yard of Longveld, who have worked with mana whenua on several of the large sculptures on the Waikato Expressway.
Made of weathered steel, Te Manu Rangimaarie carries a powerful story of heritage, unity, and peace and reflects the deep connection between ngaa hapuu o Waikato (the sub-tribes of Waikato), the land, and the many waterways that run through the region.
The artwork is a tribute to Wiremu Tamihana Tarapiipipi Te Waharoa of Ngaati Haua, a key figure in the establishment of the Kīngitanga movement. Guided by the principles of faith (te whakapono), lore (te ture), and love (te aroha), he dedicated his life to seeking justice and peaceful solutions.
Positioned to face Taupiri maunga (mountain), Te Manu Rangimaarie also acknowledges an ancient shift in the Waikato River’s course - when it turned from the Hauraki Gulf to Taupiri before flowing west to the sea.
The positioning of the sculpture is also significant because it serves to mark the southern end of the future Cambridge to Piarere expressway, which has been identified as a Road of National Significance.
The total cost of the sculpture is $609,000, including design, build and installation. The budget for the cultural design represents around 1.4% of the project delivery cost of approximately $57 million. Like all elements of the project construction, this budget is managed carefully.
Te Manu Rangimaarie (bird of peace).
About the artists
The late Fred Graham (1928–2025) ONZM, was a world-famous carver, sculptor and a Tainui kaumatua of Ngaati Korokii Kahukura descent. His work spanned five decades and his art, which explores contemporary Māori issues, is displayed in prominent spaces around the country, including the High Court in Auckland the National Archives Building in Wellington, and on a number of state highways including the Waikato Expressway.
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Eugene Kara is a multi-disciplinary artist and bronze casting specialist of Ngaati Korokii Kahukura descent. He has a strong focus toward cultural navigation and project management and is an advocate for co-design, assisting whaanau, hapuu and iwi organisations manifest their aspirations through innovative cultural strategy, theming and symbolism.
