Travelers arriving at Wellington Airport on Friday morning were greeted by an impressive new addition to the terminal: a massive 15-meter sculpture called Manu Muramura. The artwork, designed by the renowned Wētā Workshop, represents a local bird spirit and marks a significant change in the airport's visual identity after more than a decade.
The new sculpture replaces the popular Lord of the Rings-themed display featuring Gandalf and two giant eagles, which had welcomed visitors for 12 years before being retired. Wellington Airport Chief Executive Matt Clarke expressed his pride in the new artwork, stating it will "provide a totally unique and memorable welcome or farewell for the millions of travelers who pass through every year."
Manu Muramura is a sophisticated piece of engineering and artistry, constructed with a combination of modern materials and traditional design elements. The body and wings are made of fiberglass with a steel armature, while the feathers are crafted from translucent polycarbonate. The sculpture features a 3D printed head, demonstrating the integration of cutting-edge technology with artistic vision.
One of the most striking features of the sculpture is the illuminated artwork located under the beak and throat, designed in the form of a flame by artist Manukorihi Winiata. This illuminated section incorporates traditional Māori design elements, including Puhoro (representing movement), Ngutu Kākā (the beak of a Kākā bird), and Koru (symbolizing new life and growth), creating a meaningful connection between contemporary art and indigenous culture.
The sculpture draws its inspiration from the pūrākau (traditional story) of two taniwha named Ngake and Whātaitai from Te Whanganui-a-Tara, known today as Wellington Harbor. According to the legend, both creatures longed to explore beyond their harbor home. While Ngake successfully broke free from the harbor, Whātaitai became trapped and unable to escape. As Whātaitai took his final breath, his spirit transformed and ascended in the form of a bird called Te Manu Muramura, passing through Rangitatau, which is described as the portal to the universe beyond.
Wētā Workshop co-founder and chief creative officer Richard Taylor praised the cultural significance of the project, calling the story of Manu Muramura "powerful and inspiring." The sculpture also received endorsement from Kura Moeahu, who represents multiple iwi including Te Atiawa, Nga Ruahine, Taranaki-tuturu, Ngati Mutunga, Ngati Tama, and Ngati Toa. Moeahu emphasized that the work "represents our deep connection to whenua and the stories that have shaped Te Whanganui-a-Tara for generations."
This installation represents more than just an aesthetic upgrade for Wellington Airport; it symbolizes a shift toward celebrating local indigenous culture and stories rather than international film franchises. The sculpture serves as both a welcome to visitors and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Wellington region, ensuring that the stories and traditions of the local Māori communities remain visible and honored in one of New Zealand's busiest transportation hubs.
