Last updated July 2026
In the heart of Hastings, Ngā Pou o Heretaunga stand as powerful symbols of Māori heritage in Civic Square. These ancestral carvings represent whakapapa and connections to local marae across the Heretaunga district. Visitors encounter a unique collection that honours ancestors and preserves cultural narratives central to Ngāti Kahungunu identity. The site offers free, year-round access in the city’s main public space, providing an accessible introduction to Māori traditions and history in Hawke’s Bay.
Practical Information
| Location | Civic Square, Eastbourne Street, Hastings |
| Number of pou | 19 (18 representing Heretaunga marae plus one additional) |
| Materials | Ancient tōtara wood |
| Access | Free, open public space; wheelchair accessible |
| Best time to visit | Year-round; aligned with Matariki celebrations |
| Facilities nearby | Playground, grassy areas, Hastings War Memorial Library, Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market |
About Ngā Pou o Heretaunga
Ngā Pou o Heretaunga comprise 18 carved pou tūpuna, each representing an ancestor from one of the marae in the Heretaunga district. An additional pou was added later, bringing the total to 19. The carvings face the direction of their respective marae and were positioned to align with the Matariki constellation above the square.
The pou were unveiled on 26 July 2013 during Marua o Matariki celebrations. The extra pou, representing the genealogy of Te Waka Tapu o Tākitimu and connections to Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Rarotonga and Aotearoa, was unveiled on 17 February 2017. It was a gift from Rarotonga.
Each pou is carved from ancient tōtara and tells specific ancestral stories through traditional Māori carving techniques. The collection serves as a living record of whakapapa, strengthening cultural identity for Ngāti Kahungunu and educating visitors about the deep ties between people and land in the region.
The Hastings District Council collaborated with local marae on the project. Heretaunga has 25 active marae, with 18 represented here. The square itself is the largest open public space in central Hastings and hosts community events.
History and Recent Restoration
The carvings were installed as a collaborative initiative between local Māori communities and the Hastings District Council. They embody the resilience and continuity of Māori heritage in the area. In 2025 the pou underwent their first full collective inspection and restoration, with each returned to its marae for work before being reinstalled.
They were rededicated in a dawn ceremony on or around 20 June 2025, coinciding with Matariki. The project underscores ongoing commitment to preservation, ensuring the taonga remain in good condition for future generations.
Location and Access
Civic Square lies in central Hastings on Eastbourne Street, with access via Russell Street, Lyndon Road and Warren Street. It features shaded grassy areas, a playground and proximity to the Hastings War Memorial Library and other cultural sites. Public transport and walking paths serve the area well.
The square functions as a vibrant community hub near the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market and additional public artworks. On-site signage and QR codes provide details on each pou’s story for self-guided exploration.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the carvings as striking and meaningful, appreciating the clear explanations via signage that help them understand the ancestral stories and cultural context.
Many note the peaceful atmosphere in the square and recommend stopping to reflect on the heritage while exploring central Hastings with family or on a cultural walk.
Where to Learn More
Hastings District Council – Civic Square: Official page with details on the reserve and the pou collection.
Hawke’s Bay Tourism – Ngā Pou o Heretaunga: Background on the carvings, their placement and cultural significance.
Hastings District Council – Rededication announcement: Information on the 2025 restoration and ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pou are there in Ngā Pou o Heretaunga?
There are 19 pou in total: 18 representing ancestors from Heretaunga marae and one additional pou added in 2017.
When were the carvings installed?
The main collection was unveiled on 26 July 2013, with the additional pou unveiled on 17 February 2017.
Where exactly are they located?
They stand in Civic Square on Eastbourne Street in central Hastings, the city’s largest open public space.
What wood are the pou made from?
Each carving is made from ancient tōtara, a traditional material chosen for its durability and cultural significance.
Is there an entry fee or are guided tours available?
Entry is free as the square is a public space. No formal guided tours are offered, but signage and QR codes provide self-guided information.
Why do the pou face different directions?
Each pou faces the direction of its respective marae, and the overall placement aligns with the Matariki constellation.
Were the carvings recently restored?
Yes, they underwent restoration in 2025, were returned to the square and rededicated in a dawn ceremony around 20 June.
Who created or commissioned the pou?
Local Māori communities and the Hastings District Council collaborated on the project to honour ancestral connections.
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