Ngā Manu

This striking stainless-steel sculpture can be found at the northern tip of Sanctuary Point, by the Pakuranga Rotary Walkway. Standing along the shore of the Tāmaki Estuary, Ngā Manu is a kinetic sculpture, designed to rotate with the force of the breeze. Three large koru shapes at the top of the mast turn in the wind as do each of the nine bird forms flying off the koru.

Artist Dion Hitchens says "Ngā Manu refers to the whakataukī (proverb) e koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kāka, e kuukuu te kererū, sourced from the book Aroha by Dr Hinemoa Elder. It literally translates as - the tūī squawks, the kāka chatters, the kererū coos - and references, in this case, the idea that it takes all kinds of people to create a community. The bird call can be seen as the bird's identity, different languages for each bird, yet they all work together with the forest to help create a better environment and community. This proverb is also about acceptance and non-judgement, how can we be more like the birds and accept diversity as normal, working together to create a better community and environment?"

The Pakuranga Rotary Walkway extends 9 kilometres from Prince Regent Drive, Farm Cove, in the north, southwest to Panmure Bridge. It's perfect for a walk, jog, bike ride or skate. Beneath Ngā Manu is a great place to take a break during your travels. Not only can you admire the sculpture, but you can also enjoy sweeping views up and down the Tāmaki Estuary from the water's edge.