Te Ara Roa – The Long Journey

Te Ara Roa is a reflection on endurance. The long, winding paths we walk in pursuit of purpose, balance, and growth. The flowing kōwhaiwhai lines symbolise the twists and turns of life, reminding us that while the road may change, we are always carried forward by the strength of our whakapapa.

Every challenge, every moment of stillness, is part of the journey that shapes us. This taonga speaks to perseverance and hope. To the understanding that our footsteps are guided by those who came before, and that we, too, pave the way for those who will follow.

Artist's Note

Created by Caleb Kutia of Tekotiri Ltd, Te Ara Roa was carved as part of the Te Haerenga (The Journey) collection for Art in the Park 2025. Each curve within the kōwhaiwhai represents movement, growth, and the unseen threads that connect us to our ancestors.

This piece embodies Caleb’s belief that the path of a warrior, artist, and parent is never linear. It is a continual journey of learning, reflection and resilience.