A sculpture by local artist Simon Te Wheoro unveiled recently at Waikato Hospitals stands as a tribute to the exceptional mahi of the staff at the oncology department.
For Simon and his wife Jamie Haenga, the department provided life-saving cancer treatment to their daughter Ātea more than 10-years ago.
Diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer that mainly affects children, Ātea was just two years old when she underwent an operation to remove the affected kidney and then several months of chemo treatment.
“It was such a blur at the time but we feel so blessed that the treatment was successful. When the cancer was discovered, it had taken 90 per cent of her kidney at her young age,” Jamie says.
The couple say the staff were incredible throughout Ātea’s cancer journey, but the sculpture is also an acknowledgement of the support they received by Raglan locals.
“When Ātea was diagnosed with cancer, Dave Hanna from Ray White approached us about running a 43k hikoi (walk) around the maunga (Karioi) to raise some funds. And we just had this amazing influx of whānau and community support for the fundraiser,” Simon says.
“Life goes on hold when you’re going through that whole cancer process at Starship and Waikato Hospital, and it’s awesome that it has come around full circle with the sculpture.”
Ātea, soon to be 13, still goes in for annual check-ups, but she is cancer-free and, while there are some things she can’t participate in like contact sports, Ātea is living life to the fullest.
“She loves kapa haka, dancing, singing and performing,” Jamie says.
“And sleeping,” Simon cheekily adds.
With the cancer somewhat behind them, it’s been all-go on the carving front for Simon.
As well as the sculpture at the hospital, he has had large-scale commissioned pieces unveiled at Maeroa Intermediate, the Raglan Wharf, and a waharoa (gateway) at Waikaretu School carved in collaboration with Kawharu Greensill and Te Reinga Te Tai.
It’s these large works and the increasing demand for ta moko (traditional tattoo) that are keeping Simon busy and the Toi Hauauru Art Studio & Gallery closed to the public.
And now his plans to open up at Labour Weekend are on hold after being chosen for this year’s ‘21st International Larvikite Sculpture Symposium’ in Norway.
One of nine sculptors chosen from 120 International applicants, Simon will be the first Māori and New Zealander to ever take part in this prestigious event.
“I just feel so fortunate to be going, it’s such a cool opportunity and an amazing honour to represent Whaingaroa, Aotearoa/New Zealand. I’ll be working on some massive works using the local stone larvikite.”
This is the second international symposium Simon has attended and he has his eye on more in the upcoming years.
“It’s an opportunity to open up doors internationally but also to work alongside sculptors from around the world.”
by Janine Jackson
