Pictured – Tina Ngatai, Director, Her Worship the Mayor – Steve Chadwick, Ben Smith –  Head of Department Stores Australia, Maori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta, Alec Wilson, Director, David Tapsell, Director, Norma Sturley (Kaumatua) and Monty Morrison, Director, during the opening and blessing of Kmart and the 3 Pou placed at the entrance to the Trade Central site.

Her Worship the Mayor – Steve Chadwick, Pukeroa Oruawhata Group – Malcolm Short, Ben Smith – Head of Department Stores Australia and Maori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta cut the ribbon for the official opening of Kmart.

As a mark of partnership between Pukeroa Oruawhata and Kmart, 3 Pou were carved by Ngati Whakaue carver Paki Wilson and his team and installed at the entry to the Trade Central site to welcome visitors and stand vigil over the shoppers as they go about their business.  Nga Manuao a Whakaue (the sentinels of Whakaue) is the name given to the 3 Pou.

Pou #1 (standing to the left).  Main figure – Tunohopu.  Secondary figure symbolised by mask on torso is Te Roro-o Te Rangi.

Pou #2 Central Pou – Top figure is Whakaue with Taeotu on torso. Bottom figure is Tutanekai with Pukaki on torso.

Pou #3 Main figure is Te Rangi Waho with Hurunga Te Rangi on Torso.

Interior window decals were also designed by Paki Wilson, symbolising the 8 beating hearts of Te Arawa – Nga Pumanawa e Waru o Te Arawa.

Tauira from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Koutu supporting Ngāti Whakaue during the formal opening and welcoming the first customers to the store with waiata ringa.