Programmes, Events & Learning
This panel was designed and constructed in a joint effort by the Programmes Events & Learning Team as part of the Tukutuku project in 2009 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Christchurch City Libraries
POUTAMA - 'Stairway To Heaven'
- Mixed media materials
- 122 x 60 cm.
Painted background
In Māori mythology Poutama represents the pathway of life that stretches both into the past & future. Each step is an achievement and a challenge.
The stepped Poutama pattern, signifies the growth of man, striving ever upwards. In meeting houses, the Poutama panels are usually mirror imaged so that the steps climb upwards from both sides to reach the summit at the centre.
The Poutama is the PEL Team’s house of learning. The Poutama steps are decorated with symbols & icons to represent the services provided by the team.
Adult learning
Adults learning to use technology to remain connected with friends and family. The silver cord reflects the technology linking the groups, the computer: the technology tool, glasses: the wisdom and age of many of the participants.
Professionl developement
Professional development is about growth and reaching potential, hence the vine reaching upwards and culminating in the blossoming of a beautiful flower. This liana is meandering and organic, yet always climbing upwards, representing the many paths that individuals take to reach their goals.
Maori services
Like the Poutama concept the Māori Services step reflects the journey that Christchurch City Libraries has taken towards biculturalism. The cabbage tree (Tī Kōuka) represents the local Māori History website - Tī Kōuka Whenua, The new Bicultural Plan Te Ara Hou, Māori language and the seven stars of Matariki all take pride of place on this step.
Learning Centre
The Learning Centre line covers hands on learning within a technology rich environment. Utilising ICT tools such as digital cameras, memory sticks, CDs, keyboards - PEL ...
CYA services
Symbols of academic milestones that also include books because you need education to advance in life. Libraries and learning centres are wonderful places to get help with this. Libraries are very democratising institutions – it costs money for higher education but libraries can be accessed for free.
Events
The symbols (balloons, books, star, music etc) all represent key network events in the libraries. It is part of the stairway to knowledge by creating learning experiences and teaching opportunities through local and network events. Bringing together a large range of the community, all working together to give these events life.
Preschool Outreach
This step is about early childhood reading. The icons represent two of the ways we promote to parents/caregivers/teachers the advantages of early literacy. The weave is reflective of encouragement we give to children on their way through the steps to reading for themselves.
Foundation & Roof to Poutama
Silk Strip Foundation
Management
The foundation of the house is symbolised by the inclusion of a firmly woven silk strip with crosses/stars representing the people. Silk has been chosen as it is regarded as the queen of all fibres because of it's lustre, durability, strength, resilience and absorbency. This latter property ensures the fabric's natural qualities are enhanced through the use of colour with a richer and more diverse product created. Similarly the people in the Te Rōpū Poutama display similar qualities and remain open to new ideas and ways of doing things encouraging others to add their strengths to enhance and improve the foundations of the house.
Steps to Learning Roof
The weave “steps to learning”, is the roof of our house and is reflective of this team and its myriad of services.
