Statue of Tangaroa
The statue of Tangaroa – bronze in colour – represents the Tangaroa, God of the Sea in Maori culture, whose duty is to protect the sea and all of its inhabitants. Sculpturist Frank Szirmay erected the statue in 1976, where it stood grasping a taiaha (a long club fighting staff) and watching proudly over the sea for decades. In recent years, with the blessing of local Kaumatua Morehu Ngatoko and Kihi Ngatai, the statue of Tangaroa has been moved to face harbour visitors, to determine whether their intentions are friendly.
Frank Szirmay portrayed Tangaroa as a crouching warrior, performing the Wero, a traditional Maori challenge given during the welcome ceremony to test the visitors’ intentions. In accordance with Maori legend, Tangaroa was son of Rangi, the sky father, and Papatuanuku, the earth mother. The statue was a gift to the people of Tauranga by one of the former mayors – Sir Bob Owens, to celebrate the centennial of the Ports of Tauranga. The area is drenched in traditional Maori culture with interesting finds with fascinating backstories at every turn.
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Bay Explorer
Bay Explorer are local boat tour specialists who are passionate about all our region has to offer. We are proudly Kiwi owned and operated, with plenty of experience running day trips from Tauranga.
Departure Point
Corner of Wharf Street & The Strand
Tauranga
New Zealand 3110