Kapua Pekapeka
This design is representative of kowhaiwhai (painted design), taniko (intricate weaving) and Whakairo rakau (wood carving).
Inspired by the Pekapeka’s unique sonar, echo-location ability, the design covers the glass balustrades creating a soft feathered cloud feeling to the terminal, while acknowledging the convergence of people from nga hau e wha (the four corners of the world) to this place.
A prominent design element in this design is the radiating sonar elements (half circles) specifically created for the Hamilton Airport terminal.
![](https://dzpdbgwih7u1r.cloudfront.net/9715e710-484e-4e64-9d26-09cf61e20a0b/9c955ae6-22cb-4b7a-a87e-63f12327830b/9c955ae6-22d8-47ec-bda2-e1f3a1021a68/w2400h1600-d612dcbfbccc31eddaf9dd2a4ca3b58c.jpg)
The image above shows our print and installation team from Vivid Images installing the design.
![](https://dzpdbgwih7u1r.cloudfront.net/9715e710-484e-4e64-9d26-09cf61e20a0b/9c955ae5-d798-415e-a58f-4d2c3e1418e0/9c955ae5-d7a8-411b-9ca7-595e8aef6599/w415h618-b68c7d4f925b6dc91f0d7597b32ab94f.png)
Artist: Eugene Kara
Iwi: Ngaati Korokii, Kahukura, Ngaati Tipa, Ngaati Kahungunu, Ngaati Paahauwera, Ngaati Tuuwharetoa, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, Te Aatihaunui-a-Paapaarangi
As Puukenga Toi, Eugene has lead the curation and co-ordination of cultural artworks for Hamilton Airport.
Eugene is a professional artist, specialising in public sculpture, lost-wax bronze casting and design. He has a particular skill-set that leads him toward cultural navigation, co-design and project management with a cultural focus. He is an advocate for integrating indigenous knowledge in regional blueprints.
Eugene is the co-founder of the first Maaori bronze casting studio at The New Zealand Maaori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia, Rotorua.
He is an experienced art educator with a demonstrated history of working within education management. Further, he is skilled in management, strategy, Maaori tourism, project management, advocacy, art education and arts administration.
Eugene holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA, Hons) from Elam School of Fine Art, University of Auckland.