He Piko He Taniwha

'He Piko He Taniwha' is a public art installation across the Freyburg Steps and facade 'drips' at Studio One Toi Tū for the duration of Pride Month.

This work explores taniwha, a being both monstrous and healing, residing in the waterways, awa and moana of this whenua, whose tail whips into our daily lives.

Kahurangiariki Smith’s whakapapa to Ngāti Rangiwewehi connects her to two taniwha, Pekehaua and Hinerua. Since living back alongside te awa o Waikato, she has been working towards articulating this daily relationship with taniwha.

Kahurangiariki continues her haerenga with taniwha as ancient kaitiaki, healers, and skux best friend in this design.