The pou is being carved by Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi. Katz went on a two-month journey with us to get to know our Co-op and the people in it so he can create a design that is unique to us. Watch chapter one to see the start of the journey, what we are doing, why we are doing it and Katz’s ‘induction’ to get to know our Co-op.
Spark’s farm Rangiora
Brown’s farm Matamata
Arekatera 'Katz' Maihi
Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi visiting the Brown Farm in Matamata. Left to right, Wynn Brown, Tracy Brown, Katz Maihi and Anzac Tasker
Geoff Spark and Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi taking a selfie
Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi visiting the Brown Farm in Matamata. Left to right, Wynn Brown, Tracy Brown and Katz Maihi
Jonathan Smith and Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi
Darryn Corbett and Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi
Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi and Nathan Patuwai
Sandy Lin, Glenn Shingleton and Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi
Amanda Nottage
Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi carving the pou in his home in Whakatane
Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi carving the pou in his home in Whakatane
Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi unveiling the Pou
Arekatera ‘Katz’ Maihi and Tiaki Hunia at the unveiling of the Pou
Miles Hurrell at the unveiling ceremony
Katz graduated from the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in 2006 and established Toitu Design Ltd in 2007. Since its inception, Toitu Design has been a leader in its field and has built a reputation around expertise, authenticity, and workmanship to the highest standard. A strength is fusing traditional Māori art forms with contemporary design. Katz’s work can be seen outside Eden Park, and as part of the America’s Cup 2021 to name just a few. Click here to read more about Katz and Toitu Design.
By the time the pou is complete (Oct 2021) it will be 7 months from Arekatera began his journey with Fonterra. He spent 2 months getting to know and meet farmers and employees around the business, 1 month designing the Pou and precuring the wood and 4 months carving the 8-metre totara log.
The pou is made from an 8-metre totara tree that has been dried for 32 years and was found at the Orākei Marae in Auckland.