Manukorihi Intermediate School Entrance - 1974

The entrance to Waitara's Manukorihi Intermediate School has several striking design features. The pare was designed and carved by John Bevan Ford and the school's bird symbol was designed by John Fathers.

Text below from Manukōrihi Intermediate web-site:

"Manukōrihi Intermediate opened on 4 February 1974.   The School’s name can be loosely translated as “the singing of the birds” and refers historically to the people of this pã who were alerted to the approach of enemies at night by the chirping of the birds in the bush on the cliffs by the school gates.

The school’s crest is a copy of a Māori cave drawing taken from A H Reed’s “Māori Drawings and Carvings”, depicting a wading bird. It is a visual interpretation by John Fathers, the Taranaki Education Board’s Chief Architect of the time."

"The carving over the door to the administration block  was designed and carved by the late John Ford in consultation with the late Mr. Jim Nicholas, a Trustee of Manukōrihi Pā at the time.

The figures represent Sir Apirana Ngata, Sir James Carroll, Sir Peter Buck (Te Rangi Hīroa), and Lady Pomare. At the south end, Turi, Captain of the Aotea Canoe is shown, while at the north end, Tama Ariki, Captain of the Tokomaru Canoe is depicted.

Te Whiti o Rongomai, Prophet of Parihaka, stands next to Lady Pomare.

 All these leaders inspired others to maintain their Tino Rangatiratanga."

Websites

Ken Tonks Memorial Mural, Puke Ariki website