Waharoa

1989

Selwyn Muru

Accessible

1989–Current

  • Aotea Square facing Queen Street, CBD, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Type

  • Sculpture
  • Waharoa

Medium

  • Copper
  • Paint
  • Paua shell
  • Wood

Dimensions

  • H7000 x W10,132 x D620mm

Selwyn Muru, ‘Waharoa’ (1990), Aotea Square, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Images: David St George, courtesy Auckland Council, 2026

Artists
Credit

Auckland Council Art Collection

Associated Artwork Organisation(s)

Description

A large macrocarpa gateway to Aotea Square.

"The aim of this waharoa (gateway) is to welcome and embrace manuhiri (visitors) to Aotea Square. I chose the wood as the medium because it already has mauri (lifeforce) of its own that would exude warmth in an enviornment dominated by steel, glass, and stone."

~ Selwyn Muru cited in Tara Werner et al. Aotea Centre : Works of Art. Centre 1992: 43.

A condition assessment by Auckland Council in 2024 led to restoration work being carried on the artwork, including specialist conservation to address age-related deterioration. New carved icons were recreated using digital cutting technology and hand-finished by Selwyn's stepson, Moana Nepia, who also painted the carvings to reflect the original designs. A final re-oiling of the gateway completed the restoration.

The restored work was completed in June 2026.

See also: