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The "Celebration of Mauao" design by Andres Amador was inspired by the meaning of Mauao - "caught by the light" , first to see the dawn.

The sun made from triangular shapes representing the mountain. As the tide comes in the art work is swept off the sand, carried away out to sea, such is ephemeral art.

The participants who helped create the piece began with a prayer led by local Maori artist Rikirau Luttenberger.

Each person reflected on their own feelings around friends who had passed away or their own journey through life. Some wanted to express joy and give.

Creating the artwork gives opportunity to express those feelings and afterwards stay and watch as the tide accepts the grief, loss, joy, gratitude or whatever thought and emotion has been conveyed.

Photos: Rosalie Crawford