Pukaki Trust
Pukaki was originally a carving created as part of a gateway that stood 5 metres tall, to guard the southern entrance of the marae at Ohinemutu in Rotorua. Pukaki was expertly crafted by Te Taupua of Ngati Whakaue from one large piece of totara timber. Pukaki is depicted holding his two warrior sons Wharengaro and Rangitakuku, while between his legs can still be seen the remnants of his wife Ngapuia. In the 1850s, Pukaki was brought down and his lower portion removed, thus transforming him from a gateway to a statue (tiki).
In 1877 Ngati Whakaue gifted Pukaki to the Crown as a symbol of trust regarding the Crown's promise to develop the Rotorua township for the benefit of Ngati Whakaue. The taonga was held at Auckland Museum until 1997, when Ngati Whakaue confirmed and completed the gifting and transfer of ownership of Pukaki to the Crown. Pukaki is now located in the Rotorua District Council building.
Today, on behalf of the Crown, the Pukaki Trust provides for the care, conservation and custody of Pukaki.
CONTACT
Contact the Pukaki Trust:
Charles Roberts
Director, Community Services
Rotorua District Council
1061 Haupapa St
Private Bag RO 3029
ROTORUA