Kirihimete kei Karangahape

Christmas on Karangahape
The first three Thursdays in December 2020.

Between 6-8pm, Santa & the elves gave out Christmas cards with artwork created by Tristan Marler that represented the past, present and future of Karangahape Road. The story behind the artwork can be read below. In addition, Link Alliance assisted with vouchers for 100 free Johnny Feedback coffees which were given away to everyone with a smile. Plus the first four to get a photo with Santa in fancy dress were gifted a $50 voucher to Def Store. Click here to view all the photos on Facebook.

This work speaks to the history of Karangahape, as well as its present and future. The main figure represents Hape, an ancestor of Tainui. He was left in Hawaiki because of his clubbed foot but with the help of a giant stingray he arrived weeks before his people and called to them as they landed on the beaches from the ridge that became known as Te Karanga a Hape (the place of the calling of Hape).

The Taaniko designs represent the ridge Hape stood on to call down to his people as they arrived. The rainbow represents Karangahape Road’s LGBTQIA community. The figures along the bottom represent Karangahape Road’s history as a red light district and its nightlife. The sacred heart is about love for humanity and Karangahape Road being an all inclusive community where people from all walks of life can feel safe and respected. The sun in the background represents growth and life, and is a symbol of hope for the future.

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Artwork by Tristan Marler from Sunset Tattoo.

Supported by Monster Valley, the Karangahape Road Business Association and Link Alliance.