View Te Ara in

Story: Wairarapa places

Whakairo figure

Whakairo figure

Eighteen whakairo (carved figures) encircle Pāpāwai marae, each representing a famous ancestor. The figures face inwards to indicate peace between Māori and Pākehā.

About this item

Wairarapa Archive
Photograph by Gareth Winter

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

How to cite this page:

Ben Schrader. 'Wairarapa places', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 21-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/wairarapa-places/7/4