Te Whatu Ruru a Ruapani
Nā Whareahuru Gilbert
Te Whatu Ruru a Ruapani is a taonga dedicated to the memory and efforts of Uncle John Ruru who was a champion, a staunch promoter and supporter of the Ruapani Forestry course at Turanga Ararau and was very influential in the creation of the Forestry Management Diploma.
This taonga was created for the presentation at the first graduation of the diploma course on March 6 2025, as recognition to Uncle John and all that he has given to the programme.
When I was asked by Ruapani Forestry Manager Henry Mulligan to carve this taonga my first thought was what would be appropriate as a taonga to recognise this rangatira; after several thoughts I settled on the concept that is seen in the taonga today.
At the same time consideration was given to which rākau to use, that was easy. A few years earlier, a couple of pūriri trees were felled by Generation Programme Manager Stan Hovell to clear the way for the bulding of the new kura, Tūranga Tangata Rite at Te Whare Wānanga Ko Matatuahu campus in Kahutia Street. It was only approriate that the rākau from one of these trees was used as a mihi to Tūranga Ararau. Stan’s chainsaw marks can still be seen on the top of the taonga.
Throughout the carving of Te Whatu Ruru a Ruapani there was consideration to given the attributes of Uncle John and his role in supporting Ruapani Forestry and the diploma programme. Because of Uncle John’s role the attitude I adopted for the carving was that of seeing him as Tāne, the kaitiaki of the ngāhere.
So the mata was carved with this mindset and held on to right through to the end. Throughout the process I was continually talking with Uncle John seeking guidance from him as to the shape and features of the mata and would often get answers through dreams in the night. As a result, a lot of reshaping and changes were made until I came to what is seen today. One question I asked Uncle John was, “do you want a mataora?” knowing that Uncle John did not have one.
I woke up the next morning seeing the taonga already carved with a mataora.
On the back of the taonga is koiri and Te Whatu Ruru. The ruru is known as the kaitiaki o te pō, the guardian of the night. This bird is rarely seen in the forest but is always there, watching and observing. So from the front a person would not know what is behind unless they go searching for it.
The koiri on the back resembles the tauira and the paths that they will embark on. The koiri is a tohu for whānau and kaitiakitanga and speaks to the support that is given and that they will always be a part of the Ruapani Forestry Whānau. In the centre is an eye, Te Whatu Ruru. that reminds us that Uncle John watched over the programme and is still doing so.
Te Whatu Ruru a Ruapani is a taonga that encourages students of the Ruapani Whakatiputanga Ngahere NZ Diploma in Forest Management programme to work hard and seek the highest of standards in memory of Uncle John Ruru.
Inaugural recipient
Ruapani Forestry Manager Henry Mulligan, Win Ruru and
inaugural recipient of Te Whatu Ruru a Ruapani, Jack Willock, with Tūranga Ararau Manager, Sharon Maynard.
About the carver, Whareahuru Gilbert
I whakapapa to Te Āti Awa, Ngā Rauru, Ngā Ruahinerangi, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toarangatira, Ngāti Tuwharetoa and Ngāpuhi.
I was born and raised in Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt and came to live in Tūranganui ā Kiwa in 2007 after marrying Arapera Whaanga from Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga ā Māhaki, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri and Ngāti Rakaipaaka.
I learned the art of whakairo from tohunga whakairo Tiopira Rauna at the kura of Te Anga Ake with a heavy influence from the Hāmokorau style.
Got questions?
Call Henry today 021 123 8069