Offsite Delivery Team & Mobile Library Team 150 tukutuku panel
This panel was designed and constructed in a joint effort by the Offsite Delivery Team & the Mobile Library Team as part of the Tukutuku project in 2009 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Christchurch City Libraries
Whātoro Ake
- Wool, tinsel, jute, wooden panel
- 122 x 60 cm
Purapura Whetu: The myriad of stars in three of our panels represents our population, the people of Christchurch City to whom we deliver library service. They remind us of those who have gone before and those who come after. The changing backgrounds represent diurnal and seasonal change. This acknowledges the integral part library resources play in people’s lives, where and when they choose. Silver in the stars symbolises the threads of silver in the hair and represents the older people of the city especially those who live in residential homes and for whom we prepare regular library loans. Purapura whetu is a name also known in Canterbury as an organisation which enhances whanau health and wellbeing. Library services contribute to people’s quality of life and help reduce social isolation. From our site and with the help of volunteers, we offer library service to people confined to their homes through disability or ill health.
Waharua: This design represents the kai karanga who call manuhiri (guests) on to marae. We liken this to our two drivers who welcome customers on to the mobile library. The design also replicates the tread of the tyres on the bus. Once again the background symbolises diurnal and seasonal change.
Kaokao: This chevron like pattern signifies the warrior. It alludes to penetration, protection and driving forward. We have used it to capture the energy of the libraries moving forward to meet the trends of the future not only technologically but demographically as our population ages. The library services delivered by the Offsite Delivery Team are changing and growing as the older generation increases in numbers and expectation. The mobile library service penetrates those areas of Christchurch City which are at present unserved by libraries.
Patiki: The patiki, the flounder, symbolises sea life and sea food. It represents abundance not only for the whānau but for the whole iwi. Sea food feeds the brain, mind and soul, imagination and dreams.
In a Contemporary Vein: The road is central to our operation. Both our Mobile Library customers and our customers in residential care are dependent on the city roads for library service. Because this is a significant year for the libraries, our 150th birthday, we have chosen to represent the two most significant patterns in red, gold and black, our birthday colours, to mark this occasion.
