Toka Māpuna

19/07/2025

What an incredible kaupapa to be part of. Thank you Ngāti Tūwharetoa, He Akina Limited and Opepe Farm Trust for inviting us to share mahi toi as Māori artists, showcasing traditional stone carving tools provided by New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute at Matariki ki Tauhara.

This morning was something special. The cold, crisp air. The stars still visible in the early dawn. Watching the sun rise behind Tauhara, then seeing the snow-capped peaks of Ruapehu and Tongariro.

To the whānau at Tauhara, your manaakitanga was next level. Hot drinks, a hearty hāngī breakfast, and the warmest welcome. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou.

We also want to acknowledge the incredible work of all the kaimahi bringing life back to the whenua, restoring, replanting, and reconnecting people with the taiao. Inspiring mahi that we deeply admire.

He kaupapa hōhonu, he wā whakahirahira. Honoured to be there.

30/11/2024

In late september, Whirinaki began preparations for the first Pig hunt in the valley, in honour of Dad and his contributions to hunting and conservation - It was cool to see Whirinaki and the wider community acknowledge Dad for his achievements in their own unique way. Over that weekend I saw whanau taking their kids out fishing, shooting possums, whatever was available to them. This really is the essence of everything Dad loved to do which I think has set the tone for future competitions. For one weekend of the year, the whānau and community collectively spending time in the taiao.

After the idea was put forward to Poppa Ron, I was given the task of creating a memorial trophy which would be awarded to the heaviest boar. So I pulled together all the resources and with a bit of help from the boys at the Maori arts institute, I was able to complete it in three weeks. The inspiration comes from a mauri stone that is closely linked to traditional hunting. The Tiki figure is made of Ōnewa, the base made of Kauri and the pig tusks on each side made of Quartz where the surface pattern was completed by the cuzzy Maaka Toi. Me and Chanel flew up with the trophy from Rotorua to present it to the whānau in Whirinaki.

24/02/2024

🐋 Diving deep into the Hei Matau module, researching the art of fishing and its significance to Hokianga. From ceremonial matau made of pounamu, to functional matau made from bone, every piece tells a story of our tūpuna and the craftsmanship involved in their creation.🐟

06/01/2024

18/11/2023

🐋This Rei Niho / Rei P**a Collection highlights my journey through various forms, starting with Rei Niho replicas, emphasizing the importance of sticking to reference photos. Working with thin stone presented challenges initially but, with guidance, led to a better understanding of the process.

🌊🌊🌊The experience i gained with my 1st Rei P**a contributed to successfully completing the Rei P**a Wheku, in a Northern stlye found in Waimamaku. The goal for the future is to streamline my process without compromising quality, building on the basic understanding of forms and processes I gained during this module. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. Kei te whakawhetai au ki Te Takapū o Rotowhio, ā, ka whakapau kaha ki te rōpū whai mana o ngā . He mihi nui ki te Pou o te ako Arts me Stacy Gordine mō ō rātou tautoko me ō rātou whakamoemiti. Ko ō koutou mahi whai mana ka whakapau kaha i te mahi wānanga!! 🦆🐋

05/11/2023

“🐋🌊 Hoki mai i te tohora, hoki mai ki uta ki te wao o te kauri, te wao i noho mai nei i a koe, i te orokohanga!! ✨Kia ora e te whānau 🙌 I’ve just completed the Rei p**a wheku the final piece to my Rei Niho collection. This piece draws inspiration from the Hokianga style of Kohuru te whata and the carvings found in Waimamaku, a unique style distinct from the more commonly known Northern style!! Big mihi to Te takapu o Rotowhio 🦆 and the brothers for guidance and support. The Hikoi continues lots to learn and more opportunities to grow!!🙏 **aWheku ”

03/09/2023

“Ehara te toka i Akiha he toka whitinga rā, tēnā ko te toka i Porihere tēnā tāu e titiro ai ko te ripo kau.”

Rangahau went into each form and their significance to our people including the origins of Pounamu during wānanga at Te Takapū o Rotowhio.

Pic 1, 2 & 3: Whakakaipiko
Pic 4: Kapeu
Pic 5: Manu
Pic 6: Aurei
Pic 7: Kuru
Pic 8: Manu

Mauri ora e te iwi!!

12/06/2023

Whiria te muka, Whiria te riri, Whiria te pā here tāngata!! Kōwae ako tua tahi completed here at Te takapu o Rotowhio!! A deep dive into whiri, learning new braids from a 3 plait to 12 plait and all those in between, also taking time research on the reo māori names for each whiri and it’s importance to our people!! The learning will continue on this subject but for now I’m Looking forward to moving on to the next module!! Mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu 🦅