Statue of Pania, Bronze statue on Marine Parade, Napier, New Zealand
The Statue of Pania is a 1.5-meter-tall bronze sculpture on Marine Parade in Napier that depicts a young Māori maiden from local mythology. The artwork shows the figure with outstretched arms facing toward the sea.
The monument was unveiled in 1954 by Prime Minister Sidney Holland and was based on photographs of Mei Irihapiti Robin from Hukarere Girls College. This statue marked an acknowledgment of Māori culture in Napier's public space during that era.
The figure represents the story of Pania, a sea creature who spent her days in the ocean and her evenings with her human husband Karitoki. This legend shapes Napier's cultural identity and shows the connection between Māori and European worlds.
The sculpture is located along the Marine Parade waterfront promenade and is easy to find among the area's coastal attractions. This spot is openly accessible and offers views toward the harbor and ocean.
In 2005, the statue disappeared for eight days after being stolen, but police recovered it and returned it to its original location following restoration. This event brought the sculpture national attention.
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