With a distinctly Pacific shape and colour, the bright red form of this artwork makes a striking statement outside the Massey Leisure Centre. *Ole Alia* symbolises the double-hulled waka (canoe) of early Polynesia, its presence representing the unity and strength of peace and love. The carved frangipani design, which is typically found on Pacific Island tapa (barkcloth), symbolises the strength of women as maternal leaders and supporters within Pacific communities.

Standing at a little more than three metres in height, the carved macrocarpa sculpture by Samoan-born and Auckland-based multimedia artist Fatu Feu'u features a yellow frangipani at its centre. This stylised design has become synonymous with Pacific art after Feu'u introduced the flower into his practice in the late 1980s. The artist takes inspiration from traditional art forms and weaves in contemporary techniques, while sharing the knowledge of fa'a Samoa – the Samoan way of life and spirituality.

Ole Alia

Set into the paving at the entrance to the Massey Leisure Centre, these striking mosaics act as directional pointers into the building. Each mosaic references local fauna and has a tactile quality which is echoed in the nearby water feature and [*Moa Mountain*](/artworks/3736). The two gecko mosaics outside the original Massey Leisure Centre are incorporated into a landscape of andesite boulders from Te Henga (Bethells Beach) that act as bollards in front of the building.

The Massey Leisure Centre combines indoor sports facilities and meeting rooms and is a striking building enhanced with artworks ranging from the functional to richly decorative.

Gecko mosaics

Announcing your arrival at the Massey Leisure Centre, these sculptural corrugated iron signs by local artist Jeff Thomson, are installed on the roof of the building in multiple locations.

Thomson has a national and international reputation for his distinctive, corrugated iron art works. Here, form and function merge to create art signage which perfectly complements the working history of the area.

The Massey Leisure Centre combines indoor sports facilities and meeting rooms and is an innovative public facility, a striking building enhanced with artworks ranging from the functional to richly decorative.

Signage sculptures for Massey Leisure Centre

Especially designed for children to explore and play upon, *Moa Mountain* was the result of a community-based art project for the Massey Leisure Centre. The design for the moa was conceived by artist Kate Wells and Reserve Management Planner Renee Lambert.

Workshops were held with local primary and intermediate pupils to create the 1000 individual leaf and feather shaped tiles used to cover the moa. Over a period of eight weeks up to 350 children participated in the project. Using natural objects such as insects and plant life, these were inlaid into the surface creating a rich mosaic over the moa's reclining shape.

*Moa Mountain* is a visually entertaining artwork that highlights the importance of the imagination in reading for children and provides opportunities for investigation, discovery and imaginative play.

Fatu Feu'u

Ole Alia

"This artwork is temporarily off display. Standing proudly and symbolising the double-hulled waka of early Polynesia, this artwork represents unity and strength. "

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