​Book author's connection to trust

David McBride

The November 16-22 edition of the New Zealand Listener features a beautifully illustrated review of a new book devoted to unique Maori jewellery, 600 pages in length.

The authors are named as Deidre Brown, Ngarino Ellis, and the late Jonathan Mane-Wheoki.

Upon the suggestion of forming a Civic Trust in Timaru in the 1980s Mane-Wheoki gave keen support.

Holding a senior position at the University of Canterbury, he was quick to visit Timaru and contribute his impressive knowledge of the architectural heritage on display.

He led a walking tour through the town centre, followed the next day by a similar event within the Wai-iti Rd basin devoted to residential buildings. He was a man of action; alongside his university role, he restored significant Māori buildings to their correct locations where each one truly belonged.

His untimely death was deeply mourned; softened somewhat by his lasting contribution to the arts, architecture, and music.

One could not underestimate the enthusiasm of Mane-Wheoki in forming the Timaru Civic Trust, pointing out the unique flavour of our Timaru buildings.

The review within the Listener provides several gems extracted from the book, Te Mana: An Indigenous History of Māori Art.

Included are selected artworks by Sydney Parkinson the illustrator aboard James Cook’s first voyage to New Zealand.

On a visit to the exact replica of the Endeavour, one could only be amazed at the cramped conditions provided to this young artist. What skill!