Matariki Forests celebrates 20 years
Matariki Forests recently marked a major milestone with the unveiling of a very special Pou at its Auckland office.
Staff gathered for the ceremony, where the Pou was unveiled and blessed by Mana whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Standing 2.4 metres tall, it has become the new centrepiece of the office, carrying deep meaning and rich symbolism.
The Pou was created by carver, Nathan Foote, who shared the stories woven into its design at the event.
Every detail represents a part of Matariki Forests’ journey. The carving reflects the company’s strong philosophy of kaitiakitanga — guardianship of the whenua and its people — as well as its commitment to excellence and partnerships with iwi across the motu.
At the Pou’s base is Tāne Mahuta, the god of the forests, rising upward through the narrative of Ranginui and Papatūānuku’s separation.
Symbols include the Pinus radiata pollen, the steering paddle guiding the waka, Manaia figures representing the five regional offices, and the nine stars of Matariki crowning the top.
The Pou also honours Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, with the inclusion of Waitematā Kupenga Rau - the hundred fishing nets of the Waitematā Harbour and Tāwhaki the central figure who attained the three baskets of knowledge, alongside other meaningful motifs.
The tōtara log was sourced by Matariki Forests’ Hawke’s Bay office from its Hamptons Forest and delivered to Nathan’s carving studio. Over four months, the beautiful native timber was transformed into the magnificent Pou now standing pride of place in the Auckland office.
Nathan, who trained at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua has been carving for 20 years.
“This has been a journey, three years in the making. The first log sourced and delivered was Matai which had been recovered from the forest floor but unfortunately was not suitable.
“I was excited to see the next delivery of the tōtara. It has some outstanding features for carving. It’s a beautiful rich red when first cut, soft to work with yet able to hold intricate detail. It’s also durable, making it perfect for a taonga like this. It was a privilege to create it,” says Nathan.
Matariki Forests Managing Director, Alistair Brown, reflected on the significance of the unveiling.
“Over the last 20 years, the company has gone from strength to strength. The unveiling of the Pou was a very moving occasion and a wonderful way to mark our 20th anniversary. It gave us a chance to pause and reflect on the journey we have been on, and it adds something very special to the office for many more anniversaries to come. It’s incredibly special to have this taonga proudly standing in our Auckland office,” says Al.
Matariki Forests was established in 2005 and over the last two decades the company has consistently demonstrated leadership, innovation and a commitment to sustainability.
Some noteworthy achievements include Matariki Forests receiving the Supreme Award at the inaugural Ministry for Primary Industries Good Employer Awards and co-founding AVA Timber – a major export joint venture with Manulife Forest Management. In June this year, The Rohatyn Group acquired a 77% shareholding in Matariki Forestry Group marking a new chapter in the company’s journey.