TE WHATUKURA Ō KUPE-ARIKI
Te Whatukura Ō Kupe-Ariki is the foundation stone of Kupe Pou, stones taken from all the maunga.
It commemorates the return of the kōiwi of Kupe-Ariki to Aotearoa and marks the establishment of the Uruuruwhenua.
As the first permanent marker of the project, Te Whatukura acknowledges that every great undertaking begins with a foundation.
The stone serves as a reminder that before the carving of pou, before the construction of monuments, and before future generations continue the work, the spiritual foundations must first be established.
It stands as a symbol of remembrance, return, continuity, and the enduring presence of Kupe-Ariki within Hokianga.
NGĀ KOHATU O VAEĀRA‘I
THE THIRTEEN STONES OF VAEĀRA‘I
The Thirteen Stones of Vaeāra‘i acknowledge the reopening and manifestation of the Thirteen Dimensions of IO at Marae Vaeāra‘i, Opoa, Ra‘iātea, in July 2025.
Presented during the establishment of the Uruuruwhenua, the stones acknowledge the connection between Hawaiki and Aotearoa, and the continuation of ancestral pathways throughout Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, Te Ao Mārama, to Ngā Rangitūhaha, and back.
Together they recognise the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds, the knowledge of the ancestors, and the responsibility of each generation to preserve and transmit that knowledge to those who follow. The stones form part of the spiritual foundation upon which Ruawhetu has been established.
TE POU WHAKAIRO Ō KUPE-ARIKI
The pou honours Kupe-Ariki as navigator, ancestor, teacher, explorer, and master waka builder.
He stands holding his hoe, Te Hokianga Nui Ō Kupe, symbolising leadership, navigation, courage, knowledge, and purpose.
The narratives carved throughout the pou acknowledge Hine Te Aparangi, Urutengangana, Ārai Te Uru, Nīniwa, Ngā Rangitūhaha, Marae Taputapuātea, and the voyaging traditions of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa.
The pou also acknowledges the return of the kōiwi of Kupe-Ariki to Aotearoa and the completion of a journey that began many generations ago.
THE ANCESTRAL PATHWAY
Hawaiki to Aotearoa
This pathway acknowledges the ancient voyaging routes connecting Hawaiki and Aotearoa.
For countless generations, navigators crossed Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, guided by the stars, the winds, the currents, and the knowledge handed down through their ancestors.
The pathway symbolises departure and return, exploration and homecoming, and the enduring relationships that connect the peoples of the Pacific.
It reminds visitors that Kupe remains one of the great ancestral navigators of Aotearoa.
THE RETURN OF KUPE-ARIKI
The return of the kōiwi of Kupe-Ariki to Aotearoa in January 2026 marked the completion of one journey and the beginning of another.
Their return reunited Kupe-Ariki with Hokianga, his descendants, and the people who have continued to remember him across generations.
Kupe Pou acknowledges that return and honours all navigators who crossed Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, guided by celestial knowledge, ancestral wisdom, and the courage to journey beyond the horizon.
