Pasifika sculpture included in Matariki lunar compass

A Tongan is among ten artists who have carved stone sculptures that tell their stories of the stars to mark Matariki, or Maori New Year, in New Zealand.

The aim behind the carving symposium was to create a lunar compass using the 12 sculptures.

Made from Oamaru stone, the works were carved in just five days and will be on public display in Manukau South Auckland from today.

Panuku Placemaking South's Ole Maiava said it was important to include a Pacific view on the stars.

He said Tongan artist, Filipe Tohi's sculpture work is internationally renowned.

"So it is good having him here, because it also brings a Pacific spin and connects us with tagata whenua," said Ole Maiava.

"He also brings a lot of Tongan knowledge around not only lashing but also his understanding of the stars and how it works in terms of his observations since he has been here in Aotearoa."

Ole Maiava said Filipe Tohi's is also well known for his use of the ancient Tongan art of lalava, or lashing, made out of coconut straw.