This is one of seven carvings, by James Tapiata, on the Strand, the main street of Tauranga – evidence of the efforts by local Tauranga tribes to maintain their mana in one of the fastest growing areas of New Zealand. The carvings represent the stars of Matariki – the Pleiades – whose arrival marks the Māori new year. This carving is of Ururangi, one of the stars. It is a symbol of the close connection between the Tauranga tribes and the Waikato people, forged particularly by Waikato’s involvement in the battles of Gate Pā and Te Ranga. The carving, in traditional Tainui style, features the Waikato River.