Wairaka Statue, Turuturu Roimata, Whakatane Heads

The Statue of Wairaka, also known as The Lady on the Rock, is a bronze statue located at Whakatane Heads in Whakatane, New Zealand.

It was commissioned by Sir William Sullivan, a former mayor of Whakatane, following his wife Lady Sullivan's death in 1963. He wanted the statue as both a memorial to his wife and as a symbol of the bond between all citizens of the Whakatane District. Sullivan chose Jim Allen, senior lecturer of Elam School, to create the statue, which was unveiled in 1965.

The statue is widely recognized as a symbol of the region and commemorates the bravery of Wairaka, the daughter of Toroa, captain-navigator of the Mataatua waka. When the Mataatua waka first arrived at Whakatane after making a perilous voyage from Ngati Awa’s ancestral homeland of Hawaiki 600 years ago, the men left the women alone in the canoe while they went ashore. When the canoe started to drift back to sea, Wairaka defied the tapu that forbade women to handle a canoe and seized the paddle to bring the waka back to shore crying, "Kia Whakatane au i ahau’ – I will act the part of a man." This cry is the origin of the town's name. The statue stands atop Turuturu Rock at the mouth of the Whakatane River and is easily visible from Muriwai Drive. The statue is a testament to the courage and strength of Wairaka and the importance of women in Maori culture.

In addition to the statue, visitors can explore other local historical sites and museums, such as the Mataatua Te Manuka Tutahi, which tells the story of the Mataatua Wharenui and Ngati Awa people through Maori Cultural Experiences, and the Whakatane District Museum, Te Whare Taonga o te rohi o Whakatane, which houses the museum collection and archives. The Lady on the Rock is a symbol of the region's strength, resilience, and cultural heritage, and is a must-see for anyone visiting Whakatane. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape while learning about the rich history and culture of the region.