Tokatā Point Lighthouse (Nugget Point)

Tokatā Point Lighthouse (Nugget Point)

  • 1010 x 1090mm
  • Acrylic, newsprint and compressed charcoal on board in recycled window frame
  • 2023
  • $5500

Tokatā Point is a prominent physical, cultural, and spiritual marker on the South Otago Coast, traditionally used by waka as an anchor point for voyaging and fishing (as indicated in the map). The name Tokatā references the rocks, resembling gold nuggets. Historical documents suggest around 20 rocks possessed Māori names, only four of which I could accurately identify after much archival research! These four names are included in the painting. Tokatā Point also marks the south-eastern boundary of the Otakou Sale Deed (1844) – the oldest of the official Ngāi Tahu purchase deeds. In 1869 a lighthouse was built upon the windswept point, known as Taumata o Te Rakipokia, the surrounding rocky outcrops providing shelter for the breeding Kōtuku Ngutupapa (Royal Spoonbill).