57 Miriama St, Taumarunui, New Zealand

Te Waka Pu Whenua

Te Waka Pu Whenua opened its doors in the tenth month of the Maori year, Poutu-te-Rangi (29 March 1999).

Pu Whenua

An artistic expression of the elements used to transport ancient knowledge from one whenua (Hawaiki) to another (Aotearoa).

Artist: David Manganui Tarawa.

Painted in 1993.

Poutu - Te - Rangi

Sculpted by carver Tairoa Flanagan and gifted to Te Waka Pu Whenua, January 2002.

The carved symbols represent a number of features supporting guardianship of the wisdom and knowledge passed on to mankind through the spiritual and physical worlds of ancient Maori.

This piece was carved from rimu and stands 4 meters in the office reception area.

Te Maramataka (Annual Events)

TE HUAPAE O MATARIKI

Background

Te Huapae O Matariki was initiated by Te Waka Pu Whenua, Maori Adult and Community Education Centre, Taumarunui, to celebrate Matariki, the Maori new year, by promoting and encouraging Maori visual art forms. A key role undertaken by Te Waka Pu Whenua was to instigate an interest and revival of the local flax industry through raranga harakeke (flax weaving). Matariki Festival
In 2001 Te Waka Pu Whenua organised the first raranga fashion show that showcased the creativity of Maori weavers and artists from Taumarunui and also highlighted the significance of Matariki (Pleiades) the start of the Maori new year.

Outcomes

A spectacular show
Tourism potential and better income opportunities
Strengthened Maori weavers’ knowledge base
Pooled talents and resources (designers/weavers teaching others)
Enhanced skill in stage production
Promoting local Maori weavers and artists

Key Objectives

Assisting Maori weavers and artists develop potential
Tapping into diversity to move weaving design and artistry to new and innovative directions