This vibrant installation explores storytelling through light and sound. Colourful LED lighting units along with audio speakers create simple groupings of sound, song and chromatic display in the trees along 160 metres of the Mahurangi riverbank, across from Warkworth Wharf.

Created by toi whenua artist Hokimai-anahera Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāpuhi and Te Aupōuri), the title *Te Hokinga Mahara – A Collection of Memories* offers a cue to enter the installation. It steps back in time and explores how the natural world was born, with light and sound expressing the birth of Aotearoa and the growth of ngahere (forest). The sound of the au (currents) expresses the mauri (life force) of the Mahurangi river, while the age of the tangata whenua is shared through whakataukī (proverb) and the haka.

Te Hokinga Mahara – A Collection of Memories

This vibrant, tri-panelled mural adorns the side of the Warkworth Library, each panel features a native bird species - kererū (wood pigeon), a tūī and a pīwakawaka (fantail).

In a project initiated by the Rodney Local board, a competition was run in 2013 for students of Mahurangi College to create designs for a mural at the Sandspit playground.  Student Grace Newson's art portfolio made such an impression it was selected for the Warkworth Library site.

Newson's artwork was inspired by her passion for conservation and draws attention to the risks facing native bird habitats.

Showcasing young local talent and supporting a new generation of artists was at the heart of this community art project.  Newson was mentored and assisted by professional artist Adrian Jackman.

Warkworth Library Mural

Meandering through the Mahurangi River boardwalk in Warkworth are kererū (wood pigeon), kawau (shag), tūī, ruru (morepork), pīwikawaka (fantail) and kōtuku  (heron). These slightly larger than life bird silhouettes are tucked away, among the harakeke (flax), mangroves and mooring posts as if in their natural habitat, offering a greater experience and sense of belonging on the journey along the Mahurangi Riverside.

*Ko ngā manu a te Mahurangi* stems from artist Ruby Watson's own childhood in the area spending time down by the river, feeding the ducks and watching the birds. The works reference both traditional Māori art, whakairo (carvings) and korowai (cloaks) as well as scientific and anatomical drawings.

The project was commissioned by the Rodney Local Board from the legacy ARST (Auckland Regional Services Trust) fund.

Ko ngā  manu a te Mahurangi - The Birds of the Mahurangi

Walkers and cyclists can track their progress on the Matakana to Point Wells walkway and cycleway with these ceramic sculptural markers designed by Nick Charlton and made by the Morris & James Pottery.  The terracotta columns are inscribed with stylised topographical maps of the area, showing features such as lakes, roads and buildings encountered along the route. Some are paired to hold macrocarpa bench seats that offer a place to rest and contemplate the landscape.

The segmented columns are shaped like the core samples taken by geologists and are designed to complement the natural landscape. The clay has been dug locally using the soil itself to map the land.  They were made on site at the Morris & James Pottery, which is passed by on the walkway.

The community groups of Pt Wells and Matakana jointly applied for funding from the Auckland City Council for the project.

Hokimai-anahera Rosieur

Te Hokinga Mahara – A Collection of Memories

"This extensive sound and light installation tells the story of Mahurangi and the enduring presence of te tangata whenua iwi, Ngāti Manuhiri. The 16-minute composition is played Thursday to Saturday at eight in the evening from late March to September and at eight and nine in summer."

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