The word ‘Ata’ in Māori translates to ‘Dawn’. A fitting name as the word Aurora (the ship that English settlers arrived in on Petone Beach) also means Dawn. The meeting of cultures was the dawn of a new age.
‘Ata’ commemorates the landing of the first English settlers on Pito-One beach on 22nd January 1840. English settlers touched down on Pito-One beach on The Aurora and were greeted by local Māori Iwi, the largest being Te Āti Awa. Chief Honiana Te Puni Kokupu of Te Āti Awa welcomed the new arrivals, the development and growth of Pito-One began a new chapter.
The green shades in the image represent the existing land and people, with the blue shades representing the new people and the ocean they arrived on. The colours are intertwined in a chemistry of energy bringing balance, growth, movement and life. The Māori greeting, the Hongi, coveys a message of peace between cultures and the celebration of connecting ideas, energy, and life force for positive forward movement. This was the beginning of the new direction that has lead Petone to be what it is today.
This mural has been made possible by Iwi Te Āti Awa, the Petone community, and local businesses. Supporters are listed on the plaque and location map below.
‘Ata’ commemorates the landing of the first English settlers on Pito-One beach on 22nd January 1840. English settlers touched down on Pito-One beach on The Aurora and were greeted by local Māori Iwi, the largest being Te Āti Awa. Chief Honiana Te Puni Kokupu of Te Āti Awa welcomed the new arrivals, the development and growth of Pito-One began a new chapter.
The green shades in the image represent the existing land and people, with the blue shades representing the new people and the ocean they arrived on. The colours are intertwined in a chemistry of energy bringing balance, growth, movement and life. The Māori greeting, the Hongi, coveys a message of peace between cultures and the celebration of connecting ideas, energy, and life force for positive forward movement. This was the beginning of the new direction that has lead Petone to be what it is today.
This mural has been made possible by Iwi Te Āti Awa, the Petone community, and local businesses. Supporters are listed on the plaque and location map below.
