Te Karearea

Located at Pocket Park on Port Road to connect the Hatea Loop walk. 

Te Karearea is a mural by Charles and Janine Williams with carvings by Mike Tupaea, it recounts the story of Reitu and Reipae, twin sisters from the Waikato. Arranged to marry the chief Ueoneone from the Te Rarawa region the sisters were carried to the north on the back of a Karearea (New Zealand Falcon), but an argument broke out and Reipae insisted they land on the beach now known as Onerahi. This tale is regarded as one of several possible meanings behind the name of Whangarei (Te Whanga-o-Reitū / Reipae - The harbour of Reitū / Reipae). (Information from NZ Outdoor Art, 16th January 2019).

Mike Tupaea, who has a fine arts background but has been also creating murals and renowned Auckland graffiti artist Charles Williams have put their creative minds together again to create a vibrant mural that will connect Hatea Loop to Port Rd. Mr Tupea said “This particular mural is about inspiring rangatahi. One of the korero around Whangarei Harbour was that they used to light these big fires to illuminate the sky so if you were out fishing you would have a safe passage back into the harbour” “The patiki patterns are to symbolise a safe passage into your future and the kowhaiwhai design is a mangapare which represents perseverance and strength. It’s about your personal journey.” He said. The artwork depicts a Karearea (falcon) which was the only bird with a connection to fire as its tail would catch fire, Mr Tupea said. The bird is surrounded by plywood cut outs of Patiki patterns and Kowhaiwhai design. He said Manaaki Waipouri and Tash Nikora also helped create the mural.  (Information from: Northern Advocate, Mikaela Collins, 6th March 2017)