At first glance, this carving resembles a totem pole. Look closer and you will notice it is two figures connected at the feet. Its name is Te Hononga O Nga Wai E Rua meaning Joining of Two Waters. It represents the collaboration formed by the Māori and the British after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Their local relationship was strained for decades, culminating in the Battle of Gate Pa in 1864.
