Visitors to Tauranga Airport will be greeted by a powerful new art installation ahead of Daffodil Day – a striking woven sculpture that honours those affected by cancer and pays tribute to the strength of community.

Created by Lana Bell, Hoana Toovey and Erica Whalen, the artwork takes the form of a pākē – a traditional protective cloak.

It was crafted using harakeke, mānuka, pīngao and jute, symbolising the weaving together of support, strength and shelter for people going through a cancer journey.

“This artwork represents weaving together to create strength for someone facing cancer,” Bell said.

“The pākē provides protection and shelter – just like the Cancer Society does, not only for the person going through cancer but for their whānau too.”

Bell brought the team together, having long admired the work of weaver Whalen and artist Toovey. The collaborative process, including harvesting harakeke together, made the experience deeply meaningful.

“It definitely brought those people we’ve lost to the forefront of our minds while we were working on this project,” Bell said.

For Whalen, the kaupapa of the Cancer Society resonated.

“My whānau have been affected by cancer, and it’s nice to do something in response.

“Once the three of us started talking, I got really excited about creating something with meaning – with the hope that it will generate much-needed pūtea for the work that the Cancer Society does,” Whalen said.

Toovey said she has whānau who‘ve been through, and are going through, cancer.

“Seeing my loved ones face this has made me more determined to raise awareness,” she said.

The installation is on display at Tauranga Airport throughout August, raising awareness and support for the Cancer Society’s services across Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.

Daffodil Day – the Cancer Society’s biggest annual fundraiser – is next Friday, August 29. All funds raised stay local to help provide free support services, accommodation, transport to treatment, and more.