Holland Beckett’s move into Tauranga’s new Northern Quarter has brought fresh energy to the CBD – and a striking new artwork at the heart of its building.

Suspended through the firm’s stairwell is Māramatanga (“Enlightenment”), a large-scale installation by Tauranga artist Julie Paama-Pengelly that weaves together tradition, local identity and ancestral narratives.

Crafted from hand-woven, upcycled aluminium blinds and stainless steel, Māramatanga explores the Māori concept of the three baskets of knowledge, and the realms people move between: the spiritual, the human and the earthly.

“It also represents Tangaroa through the fish, Tāne through the birds, and Ranginui (sky father) through celestial forms,” Paama-Pengelly said.

The work draws deeply on weaving traditions that align with Holland Beckett’s brand identity, which is grounded in the symbolism of Māori weaving patterns.

“The connection was important,” she said. “When young people begin their learning journey, they often start by weaving fish. It reflects the transition from child to adult and the maturing of skills.”

The sculptural baskets are inspired by the tāruke, the traditional crayfish trap, acknowledging the lifelong process of gathering and carrying knowledge.

Light-sensitive paints give the installation a shimmering, responsive surface, while woven fish, tui and kākā forms bring movement and colour. The upper celestial elements are created using an ancient triaxial weaving technique.

“I wove over 600 pieces,” Paama-Pengelly said. “It was a labour of love – that’s how I like to create art.”

Developed after an open call to three artists, the commission was realised with local metal fabricators BeFab, who helped navigate the structural challenges of transforming her concept into a suspended three-dimensional form. The project became a family effort, with Paama-Pengelly and her daughter fixing the lowest components once the structure was in place.

For Holland Beckett, the artwork reflects its values of community, boldness and smart thinking, echoing its logomark inspired by the golden weaving fibre pīngao.

As the firm settles into its new home, Māramatanga stands as a luminous expression of place, culture and community connection at the centre of its next chapter in the Tauranga CBD.