New Zealand: Waikato – Tokoroa’s “Talking Poles”

We arrived in Tokoroa after driving south through the Waikato, with the countryside gradually changing from open farmland into heavier forestry. Tokoroa felt immediately different from many of the smaller towns we had passed through earlier in the day. It was clearly a place shaped by work rather than tourism, with wide streets, practical buildings, and a layout that hinted at its industrial past. The town had grown around forestry and timber processing, and that legacy was still very visible in both the landscape and the identity of the place. Tokoroa did not try to present itself as pretty or polished. Instead, it felt functional and a little tired, like a town that had worked hard for a long time and was still adjusting to changes that came later. There was a quietness about the streets, even though it was the middle of the day, and the centre of town felt subdued rather than busy. It was not an immediately welcoming place, but it was interesting, and it felt honest in a way that many places do not. We had come specifically to see the Talking Poles, which are one of Tokoroa’s most distinctive features, and they gave us a reason to slow down and walk through parts of the town we might otherwise have passed straight through.

🗿 The Talking Poles

The Talking Poles were spread through parts of the town, standing tall along streets, near public buildings, and in open spaces. Each pole had been carved from timber, which felt entirely appropriate given Tokoroa’s strong connection to forestry. The carvings were varied in style and subject. Some followed traditional Māori carving forms, with figures, faces, and patterns that reflected whakapapa, spiritual beliefs, and connections to the land. Others were more modern in design and told stories about the town’s industrial life, particularly the forestry workers and families who had built their lives around the mills. Together, the poles were intended to act as storytellers, sharing different strands of Tokoroa’s identity with anyone willing to stop and look.

As we walked between them, it became clear that this was not a single artistic style but a collection of voices. Some poles were bold and simple, while others were more intricate and detailed. A few clearly referenced local iwi and the importance of Māori culture in the area, acknowledging histories that long predated the arrival of large-scale industry. Others focused on more recent community stories, showing how Tokoroa had grown rapidly around forestry work and then struggled as that industry changed. The idea behind the poles was thoughtful, and the execution was often impressive. They felt like an outdoor gallery, but one that was deeply tied to place rather than something designed purely to attract visitors.

🏭 Tokoroa and the Forestry Story

Tokoroa’s history was closely linked to forestry, and that connection helped explain much of what we were seeing. The town had expanded quickly when large-scale timber processing took hold, bringing workers and their families into the area. For a time, Tokoroa had been a busy and growing place, with shops, services, and community facilities built to support a large workforce. The forests surrounding the town were not just scenery; they were the reason Tokoroa existed in its current form. That sense of purpose was still present, even if the economic certainty that once came with it was no longer guaranteed.

As industries changed and employment patterns shifted, Tokoroa had clearly been affected. Walking through the centre, we noticed a number of closed shops and buildings that looked like they had not been updated in some time. There was nothing dramatic about the decline, but it was noticeable. The Talking Poles seemed partly like an attempt to respond to this change, using art and storytelling to reinforce community pride and identity. Rather than ignoring the past, the poles acknowledged both the achievements and the challenges the town had faced. They felt less like tourist attractions and more like markers of resilience.

🚗 A Brief and Cautious Visit

Despite finding the Talking Poles genuinely interesting, we did not stay long. The town centre felt a little uneasy, and we were conscious of leaving our car unattended with our belongings inside. That sense of caution influenced how we moved through the area. We took photos, walked between the most prominent poles, and paused long enough to appreciate the craftsmanship, but we did not linger. It was a shame, because the artwork deserved more time than we gave it. With a slower pace and a bit more confidence, we could easily have spent longer reading the stories and exploring further afield.

That said, Tokoroa felt like a place best understood gradually, perhaps through conversation with locals or with more time to see beyond first impressions. Our short visit only scratched the surface. The Talking Poles stood as reminders that there was depth and history here, even if the town itself did not immediately invite long stays. After a final look and a last photo or two, we headed back to the car and continued on our journey, carrying mixed feelings but also a sense of respect for what Tokoroa had tried to express through its public art.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Tokoroa was not an easy town to like at first glance, but it was an interesting one. The Talking Poles were thoughtful, well made, and clearly meaningful to the community. The town itself felt worn and a little uncertain, shaped by changes that were still being worked through. Our visit was brief and cautious, but it left us with the sense that Tokoroa had stories worth telling, even if it took time and patience to hear them properly.