The story behind the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupō

Master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell shares his story behind the remarkable Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupō, New Zealand.
The impressive carvings are over 14-metres high and only accessible by water.
The project to create the carvings began in 1976 when Matahi Brightwell was asked by his grandmother, Te Huatahi Susie Gilbert, to create a likeness of her ancestor Ngātoroirangi, a visionary Māori navigator who guided the Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the Taupō area over a thousand years ago. It would create a permanent connection for her family to the land.
Find out more at www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/our-stories/the-story-behind-the-creation-of-the-mine-bay-maori-rock-carvings/

[@korukiwiarts]

After watching your video while learning the different aspects to the meanings of the carving. I felt this belonging inside me, drawing me closer to where my ancestries came from. Thank you for sharing your beautiful cultural historical video

[@corbie8]

Great video, a story full of heart captured beautifully.

[@leslielani1980]

Magic.

[@donnapaerataswansonmaniapoto]

Kiaora is that motuaiko island?

[@lovetaupo]

Kia ora! Motutaiko Island is on the south east side of Lake Taupō, close to Motutere. The carvings are on Mine Bay, close to Acacia Bay, on the north east. goo.gl/maps/9rrS8FxCXMqVsCag7

[@jonwilkins6380]

Looks similar to the Celtic tribes