Tokoroa is a timber town – the heart of New Zealand’s massive forestry, timber and paper industries. It sits between the lush farmland of the Waikato and the vast plantation pine forests of the central North Island.
Visitors can follow the ‘talking poles’ trail through the town centre to learn about Tokoroa’s history and people. Pastimes in this area are decidedly rustic. Hunting is very popular and permits can be obtained to shoot deer, possums, rabbits, pigs, goats and other introduced species. The many gravel and dirt forest roads around Tokoroa attract motor rally and mountain biking events.
Talking Pole Town
(Wiki)
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Last edited by:
Jane
24 July 2008
First added by:
18 July 2008
When people think of New Zealand, they picture green grass, clean beaches and beautiful natureous scenery. Which is true of course; Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Mount Ruapehu; they all conjure up images which most New Zealanders can immediately identify with. And as for tourists? Well; I think the clean green image is what they would come to expect, which of course they should; after all, New Zealand is world reknowned for having uniquely evergreen countryside. Enough evergreen I would imagine, to dazzle, amaze, and enjoy for not just the tourists of today, tommorrow and future, but also generations of New Zealanders.
And New Zealanders could not be prouder of what they have to offer here in Godzone, Land of the Long White Cloud, Aotearoa, whatever we call it, it''''s still New Zealand. And yes, specific parts of the country have many attractions to boast about: Taihape has Rangitikei River with its white water rafting facility at River Valley Lodge, (one of the best in New Zealand and the world), Taupo has Lake Taupo, the largest lake in the southern hemisphere world famous for trout fishing, and Waitomo has the Waitomo caves.
And other towns such as Cambridge, Tirau and even Ohakune have their share of identity not just as tourists spots, but iconic parts of New Zealand. And Tokoroa? Well, lets just say it''''s the country''''s best kept secret when it comes to tranquility, quietness, ambient atmosphere and talking poles. Yes, talking poles. Okay, so I hear you say: "Talking poles are boring," alright; it''''s not the geysers of Rotorua or the Crystal Lake found in Tongariro National Park, or Matamata, legendary dairy country where some of the Lord of the Rings was filmed; but still, it''''s definately worth a visit.
Tokoroa is a place in a timezone of its own; it is unique and laid back and has talking poles not featured anywhere else in the world. They are all original works of art and are expresions of work featuring local and international artists. These poles were also featured as part of the World Talking Poles Symposium which was in 2006.The poles in Tokoroa were made by artists from various backgrounds, and so their works of art also reflect this diversity. This is also an indirect reflection of the diverse cultures living in Tokoroa; altogether different but functioning as a well knit community. Tokoroa has a proud history of being a community that grows together and celebrates its cultural diversity. The talking poles are now a part of that illustrious history; history that which was once on the cusp of being the largest town in New Zealand.
The talking poles featured in Tokoroa have a history of just over ten years. They stemmed out of a some local brainstorming , and with support from the local district council and various businesses in the area their collaborative effort made it a reality. Tokoroa has twenty one poles featured around the central business district, the council has plans to see them expand to about fifty in due time. They also have a tourist map so that people out of the district can easily locate them and follow the route. The poles are are an endeavouring effort to celebrate the people of Tokoroa. The love of arts and craft, their love of gathering together as a community, the love of creating bonds in the community that last a lifetime, and being proud of who they are as people and the town they have called home. And of cause, celebrating the diversity of cultures in Tokoroa.
The talking poles try to accentuate this community growth and well being. Every pole has a story of its own and these stories act as a kind of narrative of the people. They reflect stories that are historical recounts of how Tokoroa has grown over the years. And just like any good narrative, they are stories which are dramatic, emotional and insightful.
These poles are an expression of not just the people but the community of Tokoroa in a wholistic way. The poles are an encapsulation of that wholistic view about Tokoroa. And so, that is what these poles are an expression of: the people, the community, its hopes and dreams as well as a recollection of rich history which is continually growing.
Most of the poles are made from pine out of the local forests. The council hopes that it can feature poles made from other materials such as steel and rock. The current poles are expected to last between fifity and one hundred years. This longevity ensures that they will be enjoyed by many generations of people.
The Pine Man of Tokoroa is probably the most prominent sculpture amongst the talking poles. It stands over twenty metres tall, about five or seven metres in diameter and is finished in a polished varnish. It was made by a Canadian artist who carved the majority of his creation using a chainsaw. It can be very easily spotted from the state highway. This sculpture epitomises many of the ideals which Tokoroa was founded on, a forestry town which was tough and hardworking.
Tokoroa is located in the South Waikato District, which is in the central part of the North Island, about an hours drive from New Zealand''''s forth largest city, Hamilton. If you are ever in the Waikato District or maybe even just passing through, please, take a look at these poles, take some photos of you and your friends and family around them. Or, if you a little more time, pop into one of the cafes there and get a bite of some good hearty eating. Everything is easily seen from the State Highway One so no excuses, what are you waiting for? Be a part of our heritage here in New Zealand and soak in the ambience of a small south Waikato town called Tokoroa, New Zealand''''s best kept secret in epic artistry!
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