Hauraki Maori Arts

02/09/2026

Young taps before we go and Tautoko one of the Whanaus Music Gig in Auckland

31/08/2026

Whanaus Table they're lining up with the Haehae before Paint application, they wanted a design Ying and Yang type form, to represent Balance (Positive & Negative), Unity and Overcoming barriers as a Whanau but Maori styles to the exact words, so drew the form and added in Kowhaiwhai with a Pungawerewere and Raperape design, 10 flowing Mangopare Kowhaiwhai on each side, 4 seperate Mangopare Kowhaiwhai on the leftside and 3 seperate Mangopare Kowhaiwhai on the Rightside, the numbers are significant to the recipient, and then they also wanted us to do some Script writing of our names along the outside, circling the Main design.

Alot of handsanding went into this.

28/08/2026

While we wait for the process of the wānanga to be set up, we've been in the process of trying to carve a representation of Aotearoa (The People) as a whole, which Includes Te Ika A Maui (Left Amo/Leg) and Te Waipounamu (Right Amo/Leg), 16 contemporary Regions as the Arms/Maihi of the Wharenui (9 Left Maihi/Arm, 7 Right Maihi/Arm) 9 designs on the leftside to represent the 9 contemporary regions of todays North Island, and 7 on the Right which represents the 7 contemporary regions of the south island, from pin point ideas, to building off each point, currently in the block out leveling stage.
This poupou is a contemporary whakairo that explores whakapapa through the form and symbolism of the wharenui.

The intention is to represent how whakapapa begins with the tūpuna and extends through successive generations, creating many branches while remaining connected to a common ancestral foundation.
The wharenui is used as the conceptual framework, while the poupou itself becomes the carrier of that kōrero. The wharenui has been used here not as a literal building, but as a way of expressing whakapapa through whakairo. The 16 regions acknowledge the geographical Aotearoa of today. They do not represent iwi, hapū or traditional rohe. Instead, they represent the many places across which generations and descendants now live.
The carving therefore tells a story of one ancestral foundation extending into many branches.
The regions may be many.
The generations may be many.
The places may be many.
But the whakapapa continues to connect them.

24/08/2026

08/08/2026

Weekend spent with our Ngati Tumutumu Whanau in Te Aroha

03/08/2026

🔨 WHAKAIRO WĀNANGA – EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 🔨

Kia ora e te whānau!

We have some exciting news!

With the support of our local community, we're in the process of launching a Whakairo Wānanga here in Thames. As part of the legal requirements, it's being registered as a community event, and we'd love to see who else is interested in being part of this kaupapa.

Over the past few months, we've spoken with many people wanting to learn whakairo, reconnect with their culture, or simply try something new. We've also had parents asking for opportunities for their tamariki to learn traditional Māori carving in a safe and supportive environment.

The best part?
✨ No experience is needed.
We'll teach you everything from the ground up.

This will be only the second Whakairo Wānanga held in the Thames area and will be led by one of the very first students from the original local wānanga. You'll have the opportunity to learn and carve alongside some of the artists behind many of the whakairo you see throughout Thames today.

Whether you're looking to:
🪵 Learn the art of whakairo
🌿 Reconnect with your whakapapa and culture
🤝 Meet like-minded people
🎨 Develop a new skill
❤️ Support the revival of traditional Māori arts
..there's a place here for you.

If you'd be interested in joining, comment "Keen" below or send our page a message. Feel free to tag your whānau and friends who might enjoy being part of this journey too.

Numbers will be limited, so registering your interest early will help us plan the first intake.

Nau mai, haere mai. Let's keep the traditions of our tūpuna alive—one carving at a time.