After announcing earlier this year that the iconic eagle sculptures would be replaced, Wellington Airport has unveiled its new terminal masterpiece.
The new centre piece ‘Manu Muramura’ was designed by artists at Wētā workshop and represents the taniwha Whātaitai in bird form.
It’s 15 meters in length, illuminated, and crafted from fibreglass, steel, polycarbonate and a 3D-printed head.
Wellington Airport took to Facebook this morning to reveal the new artwork, saying they’re “especially proud of this one because it tells a uniquely Wellington and New Zealand story”.
“Working with Wētā Workshop and mana whenua to develop this taonga has been a great privilege for our airport team,” they wrote.
Manu Muramura is inspired by Ngake and Whātaitai, two taniwha from Te Whanganui-a-Tara harbour that longed to explore. Ngake was able to escape from the harbour, but Whātaitai became trapped, and as he drew his final breath, his spirit rose in the form of a bird.
One excited Kiwi commented on the Airport’s post, saying they “can’t wait to see him next month! He looks amazing”.
Others took to a community Reddit post to give their thoughts.
“So much better than those old dusty eagles,” one commented.
“I really love it,” wrote another, “and I think it’s great to tell Wellington’s stories rather than reference a movie franchise.”
One commenter, poking fun at the city’s football team, wrote: “Is this the Wellington Phoenix I’ve heard so much about?”
Our resident Wellingtonian, Jacob Hawkins, said that the previous sculpture inspired by ‘The Hobbit’ / ‘The Lord of the Rings’ was “more iconic, but it was defo time for a refresh”.
“I’m glad to see it’s made by Wētā, like the last Hobbit-themed one was,” he said, “it’ll be cool to see a new giant display looming above me when I go home!”
Manu Muramura is a bold new chapter in the Airport’s history and is sure to make for a striking welcome for those heading in.
