Nihorere

Nihorere (wild teeth)

Daughter of Papakura and Tuhuru, Nihorere fought alongside her parents and Iwi travelling from south Canterbury to Te Tai Poutini. Blood was shed during this battle. It is significant to discuss that after the sucessful battle to conquer the West coast Papakura laid her korowai down in Runanga and graciously spoke for anyone that wanted to leave the new area and travel back to the East Coast could rightfully do so. Let it be known that by the devision of the korowai crossing over to one side would mean remaining on the West Coast, to stay still would mean travelling back to the East.

The shark teeth are symbolic to Nihorere and Papakura. The work itself is relevant as the story of battle and negotiation speaks of blood shed and respect. The use of kanohi te kanohi is an honorable way of discussion and shows the growth from grief and war.