21 is the age that a person in New Zealand is classed as an adult, and the giving of the 21st key is a strong New Zealand tradition to symbolize opening the door of maturity and becoming an adult. Alternatively, the giving of a key is a symbol of the limitless doors they can open in their life.
This artwork is an impressive contemporary representation of the typical form of Te Manaia. The key is crafted from recycled Native New Zealand Rimu veneerboard, medium density fibreboard (mdf), Gaboon veneer plywood and embellished with NZ Paua shell.
