Carving symbolises cutting edge of science

Media Release

15 October 2009

Carving symbolises cutting edge of science and technology

An imposing Maori woodcarving was today unveiled today at Industrial Research Ltd’s Gracefield campus in Lower Hutt.

The tauihu – or prow of the waka – will  take pride of place in IRL’s reception area where it will welcome visitors to the Crown Research Institute’s main campus.

At a ceremony in the Alan MacDiarmid centre, IRL Chief Executive Shaun Coffey said  the tauihu would take pride of place.

“Not only does it represent the leading edge, the cutting edge, of science and technology as we navigate challenging waters, it is the prow of the waka in which all IRL staff travel as they work closely with business to formulate solutions that improve productivity and profitability across the diverse landscape of New Zealand industry.”

Shaun Coffey thanked Sony Davis whose “vision, talents and toi whakairo have shaped this magnificent tauihu”  

Inside the waka is a punga – an anchor stone – crafted by Bill Owers of IRL, from West Coast Iron-sand and a formulation of IRL high performance ceramic.  

“This punga reminds us to be grounded and strong  in our endeavours but mindful that our journey of discovery continues – the punga will remain inside the tauihu,” said Shaun Coffey.

He acknowledged the contribution of IRL scientist Stephen Tauwhare who,  sadly due to illness, could not be in attendance.

“Without his efforts and the efforts of his colleagues Les Roberts, Tom Rogers and long time advisor and friend of IRL Hera Black, we would not be gathered here today.”

Shaun Coffey said the unveiling of the tauihu was timely, as its carving co-insided with IRL’s renewed effort to re-engage with industry.

“It will take pride of place in our reception area and will act as a constant reminder of our mission : to be the acknowledged leader of New Zealand’s advanced technology sector and more crucially our desire to facilitate the application of cutting edge science and technology to industry.”

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