On top of the picturesque Turuturu-Roimata rock at the mouth of the Whakatāne River stands the iconic bronze statue of Wairaka, also known as The Lady on the Rock. The statue commemorates the courageous actions of Wairaka, daughter of Toroa, captain and navigator of the legendary Mātaatua waka (canoe) that traveled from Hawaiki to New Zealand over 600 years ago. As the story goes, when the Mātaatua first arrived in the Whakatāne area, the men went ashore while leaving the women alone in the unattended waka (canoe); when it began drifting out to sea, Wairaka defiantly seized a paddle – despite paddling being tapu (forbidden) for women – and directed the waka back to shore, calling “Kia Whakatāne au i ahau!” (I will act as a man!). Her quick response prevented disaster and gave the town its name. The Statue of Wairaka was commissioned in 1963 by Sir William Sullivan, former mayor of Whakatāne, as a memorial to his late wife and a celebration of all citizens of the Whakatāne region. Sullivan commissioned sculptor Jim Allen to create the monumental bronze figure of Wairaka standing proudly on the rock, facing the shore. Since its unveiling in 1965, the statue has become an iconic emblem of Whakatāne, encapsulating the rich cultural narrative of this region. Read more...