The sculpture was commissioned by master-carver Rongimae-Tawhiti Parata-Tiapa (of Pekerau, Karintane) so that All Saints could have a more fitting depiction of Jesus and Mary than the existing European style plaster one. 

The totara sculpture is a unique, inspiring and beautiful taoka - treasure which expresses the parish's respect for Tikanga Māori and its commitment to partnership. 

The name Hākui Meri Tapu o Ōwheo has the following components:

Hākui is an acknowledgment of respect and form of address to a female elder.

Meri Tapu refers to Holy Mary, o Ōwheo is the name of the Water of Leith and also the name of the pre-European kaika - settlement closest to All Saints, where Howe Street meets Leith Street. 

During the service the sculpture was unveiled by Māori members of the Parish and blessed by Pihopa Richard.

An impromptu karanga - call sounded out from a member of the congregation, followed by the choir singing Ka Waiata - A Song to Mary to welcome this new addition to the rich tapestry of All Saints. 

During the sermon (full transcript attached below), Rev'd Canon Michael Wallace, Vicar of Dunedin North Parish gave some background history into the use of art and objects in church settings and how there has been less Maori influence in our churches than what may be expected. This has mainly been due to unease by early (more evangelical) missionaries who were uncomfortable with this, seeing objects and images as potentially leading to idolatry. Michael said: 

In the past couple of years we have been blessed to host several Māori events here - each time Māori friends would enjoy the beauty of the church, then ask ‘where is the tukutuku?’, ‘Where is the whakairo?’, ‘where is anything Māori?’... Today we have the joy and privilege of the unveiling and blessing of Hākui Meri Tapu o Ōwheo carved by Rongomai-Tawhiti Parata-Taiapa. We now have the joy and privilege of seeing Te Ariki and Te Whaea standing in the middle of this whare karakia, looking at us with Māori faces. 

He went onto say:

Some people question the value of sacred art- they say why waste time and money on pictures, windows, vestments, music or sculptures? Why not give the money to the poor or the hungry? And they are absolutely right to remind us that feeding the hungry and caring for those in need is the core business of the church. And, as well as attending to people’s physical needs the church is absolutely in the business of offering beauty to God, and in the business of attending to people’s spiritual needs.

This church is visited every day by people coming in to pray, tourists, people who happen to be passing, architecture buffs, people who were married here, people whose ancestors worshipped here, people who come to look at a particular window. This church is absolutely in the business of beauty; and of feeding the eyes, the ears, the nose, and the soul.

Scripture demonstrates to us that beauty comes from God, that God dwells in beauty and that God’s holiness is beautiful. The Bible tells us that architecture, carving in wood and stone, metalwork, vestments, poetry, dance and music are all valued by, and inspired by God as a means of reflecting and glorifying the wonder of God. Sacred art is an invitation to draw closer to the Divine and to worship God. God created humanity in God’s image: all creation serves as a testament to God as an artist. Likewise God equips and inspires humanity to create beautiful works of art for God’s glory.

After the service, the congregation continued to celebrate the beauty of this new taoka by meeting for kai in the Parish Hall. 

The full service can be viewed on Facebook