The Poro Takataka Spinning Top Public Art

Standing 8m tall with 4m diameters at the top narrowing to just 600mm at the base, these impressive structures required innovative structural solutions to create the illusion of impossibility. 

Named “Poro Takataka,” the two sculptures—Hani (8.2m) and Puna (7m)—represent traditional Māori spinning tops historically made from wood or stone. The cultural significance runs deep, with the pieces acknowledging Tainui’s ancestral connection to the land at the Resolution Interchange on the Waikato Expressway.

The key challenge was creating structures that appeared top-heavy while ensuring complete stability. Our solution was a self-supporting internal structure with a clever self-cantilevering model. The structures stemmed from the center, with their own weight allowing them to droop down and become self-supporting. Internally, we used painted mild steel, while the exterior featured stainless steel panels with various surface treatments to create different textures and light effects. 

As this large stainless steel structure was to be installed alongside State Highway 1, we faced strict regulatory scrutiny. The reflective nature of stainless steel posed potential hazards for drivers, requiring us to create smaller test sections for evaluation by Waka Kotahi officials on sunny days before receiving approval for the final design. 

The project beautifully demonstrates how engineering requirements and artistic vision can work in harmony. While safety and structural integrity always take precedence, our collaborative approach allowed us to preserve the cultural significance of these traditional toys while creating striking public art that will inspire travelers for generations.