Spectacular Carving Enshrines Eketahuna History

The unveiling of a spectacular carving adorning the entrance to the Eketahuna Community Centre has brought a long time project to fruition and will be a “must see” for visitors.

The delicately detailed three-panelled carving, the work of Jeff Bryan, Akitio, is made from a totara tree from the district and encompasses the history of the Eketahuna settlement.

It records the original settlers, the arrival of Europeans, Scandinavian settlement, the felling of the bush and farming activities. There are references to the town’s Danish name of Mellenskov, the river, its eels, and even ANZAC Bridge.

About 50 attended last week’s unveiling ceremony that also featured the renaming of the supper room to the Markey Room in honour of the town’s most senior resident Mrs Agnes Markey aged 100.

Mayor Maureen Reynolds who attended the function extended her congratulations to the Eketahuna Community Board and encouraged the public to view the carving.
The project was assisted by funding of $2,350.00 from the council’s Heritage Protection Reserve.