Gazing up at the clear night sky, the Matariki constellation shines brightly. From 8-11 July, the appearance of Matariki signals the dawn of a new year in the maramataka Māori lunar calendar.
In Parnell, the history and cultural significance of this holiday is woven into Heard Park. When consultation began on the revitalisation of this space, there was a strong desire to intertwine the foundational stories of Parnell into the design. The goal was to design a ‘landmark artwork’ that acknowledged both the history of Heard’s candy and the stories of Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei. The result was the translucent lollipop sculptures, adorned with wheku (carved human face) designs that represent the whetū (stars) in the Matariki cluster.
The lollipop design came from then-11-year-old Poppy, a Parnell resident and daughter of interior designer Ali Ward. Poppy took inspiration from the iconic Heard’s candies, brainstorming how they could be incorporated into the new play space.
“I made a few designs, but none of which could hold a candle to the giant, translucent lollipops; these were my absolute favourite aspect and were featured in multiple of my designs,” explains Poppy. “I liked the idea that you can see them easily from a distance”.
Bespoke, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and Corner Room Design collaborated throughout the design process to incorporate Māori history and stories into the design too. Poppy’s translucent lollipop concept provided the perfect canvas to tell these stories, and iwi artist Te Oha Design developed the concept of adding wheku to the lollipop faces to symbolise the whetū found in the Matariki constellation.
The whetū present in the project are outlined below:
- Tipuānuku: connection to foods that grow in the ground.
- Tipuārangi: connection to birds and other foods from above, such as fruits and berries from the trees.
- Waitī: connection to foods from bodies of freshwater.
- Waitā: connection to foods from the ocean.
- Waipunarangi: connection to the rain and its nourishment of the earth.
- Ururangi: connection to the winds.
The lollipops have been installed at such an angle that, during the Matariki period, the sun will align with each design throughout the day to project coloured shadows on the ground below. “I absolutely love how the sun shines right through the wheku faces in the lollipops, casting the faces on the ground,” says Poppy.
Also incorporated into the play area are double spiral Takarangi patterns. Often referenced in traditional carving, these patterns are symbolic of balance, growth and healing.
The re-opening of Heard Park in September 2025 was a special occasion for all involved in the planning and design process. “I couldn’t be happier to see everyone’s visions finally come to life and being enjoyed by the Parnell community,” says Poppy, who attended the opening event.
Now, we reach another special milestone—the first Matariki since the new play area opened. In this period of celebration and reflection, we invite you to visit Heard Park and admire the many stories interwoven into its design.
Mānawatia a Matariki.
