Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland
Pou Tangata: a tukutuku panel celebrating unity and connection
Published: November 6, 2024
At Pathways, our people are our greatest asset, going above and beyond—ahakoa te aha—to support tāngata whai ora and taiohi on their journey towards wellbeing. This tukutuku panel, Pou Tangata, was crafted by peer support worker Barbara Toi-Huszak for Harakeke House in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Blending traditional harakeke with synthetic fibres, Pou Tangata symbolises unity, diversity, and connection. It serves as a reminder of the importance of whakawhanaungatanga and whakahonohono in helping tāngata whai ora and taiohi live full, hopeful lives connected to what matters most.
Learn more about this meaningful artwork from the artist, Barbara Toi-Huszak below.
From left to right: Barbara and Ana
What does this Pou Tangata represent?
Pou Tangata symbolises the unity, diversity, and connection of the teams, services, and cultures within Harakeke House of Pathways, Real, and the Wise Group.
“I had a vision to create a Tukutuku Panel that included all the services within the Wise Group. Each element reflects our shared journey of growth and wellbeing, with each step a part of our personal Poutama (stairway to heaven) as we work together to support others.” Barbara shares.
How does this artwork connect to your journey with Pathways?
Barbara’s journey into weaving began with her brother, O’Dell Toi, who invited her to help him in his mahi as a volunteer. When Barbara’s brother invited her to assist with his weaving project, she thought she’d just be lending a hand.
Instead, she found a deep, almost familiar connection to the art, as though weaving was already part of her. Soon, she was making tukutuku panels for her whānau.
“When I joined Pathways, stepping into Harakeke House felt like coming home. I knew I wanted to create something that honoured the diversity and shared purpose here. Through Pou Tangata, I hoped to reflect the unity and strength of our community as we support tāngata whai ora (people we support),” Barbara explains.
What cultural symbols or traditions inspired your design?
In creating Pou Tangata, Barbara blended traditional and contemporary elements, celebrating both Māori and non-Māori heritage.
Each pattern represents the unique cultures and people within the Harakeke House community, including the Rainbow community, bringing together kotahitanga and whakapapa.
At the heart of the panel is the Poutama pattern, symbolising the steps we take together towards betterment.
How does weaving connect to your wellbeing?
For Barbara, weaving is a form of recreational creative diversional therapy, which has deep roots in Māori culture. When winter comes and gardening slows, she finds peace in weaving.
There’s something grounding in the texture of harakeke, each thread connecting her to her ancestors.
The gentle rhythm of weaving calms the mind, especially when winter’s chill quiets the garden.
It’s a way of connecting with her heritage, and it brings a sense of calm that feels true to Barbara’s last name, Toi, which means ‘art‘ in English.
What do you hope kaimahi feel when they see the panel?
Barbara hopes Pou Tangata creates a feeling of inclusiveness and belonging within Harakeke House.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and Barbara has felt a rewarding connection with everyone who engaged with the piece.
“When I look at Pou Tangata, I see a tapestry of all of us. I hope others see themselves in it too. Even those who didn’t expect to connect with it were moved by its impact,” Barbara shares.
What impact do you hope this panel will have in the future?
Poutama is a reminder to keep moving forward, with its steps representing personal and shared growth—a journey towards resilience and unity.
“The hope is to inspire creativity, inspire diversity, and motivate working together for the same purpose—to inspire all cultures to work alongside one another and to respect each other’s ways,” Barbara says.
