Raglan.....

.....a rather relaxing day spent at Raglan, a small coastal town steeped in Maori history with much to offer.

We wandered down the main street where friendly faces smiled and greeted us, locals they were. The buildings were old and probably more colonial, the odd mural appeared on walls, bright and colourful, mostly depicting the area. 

After a cuppa and bite to eat we headed over this mountain to view the coast. I was also in search of today's sculpture which when found I was disappointed by the condition it was in.

Atop the hill looking down on Wainui Beach among the flax and landscaped gardens sits the Four Directions Sculptures - four sculptures carved out of Hinuera stone representing north, south, west and east. 
North - Fire (passion, heart, music, soul)
South - Earth (weaving, mother earth, nurture, growth)
East - Air (rising sun, wind god, sky father, life, past, present, future, birds, flight)
West - Water (dolphins, setting sun, surf, waves, fishing hook, shell fish)

The sculptures were born out of the Community Employment Group, to provide opportunities for umemployed people in Raglan. 
Te Aturangi Clamp, a Maori sculptor who has received accolades for his carvings both in New Zealand and overseas, tutored the group as well as serving as an inspiration. The sculptures were placed in the reserve in 2002.

Of course it was fish n chips for tea by the sea, perfect for a winter's day before heading back to Hamilton.