Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira continues to create opportunities for whānau to reconnect with toi Māori, learn traditional practices and pass mātauranga from one generation to the next.
Over the past 12 months, our toi Māori programmes have supported tauira across disciplines including whakairo, rāranga, tāniko and whatu kākahu to develop their skills, grow their confidence and bring Ngāti Toa designs and traditions into their own mahi.
Revitalising toi Māori takes time, commitment and investment. Support from Creative Arts Schemes, Wellington City Council and other funders has helped make these learning opportunities possible.
The programmes have supported a growing community of tauira, some of whom have gone on to further study, establish their own toi practices and receive commissions for their work. Across the rohe, there are examples of this mahi carrying the distinctive designs and influence of artists who have developed their skills through the classes.
Master carver Hermann Salzmann has played an important role in sharing his knowledge of whakairo with tauira. His mahi can be seen at significant sites throughout the rohe and across Porirua, reflecting the place of whakairo in the cultural identity and stories of Ngāti Toa. Master weavers Kōhai Grace, Tracey Patete, Elaine Bevan and others have also shared their expertise, supporting tauira to develop their skills in weaving and other toi practices.
An annual exhibition brings these works together, showcasing the breadth of talent, creativity and commitment across the programmes.
This year, the introduction of whatu kākahu has created opportunities for whānau to learn together across generations and work together on a piece. Whānau were encouraged to participate as rōpū, sharing the learning and workload while creating space for knowledge and skills to be passed on.
It was a special sight to see mums, nannies, aunties, nieces and mokopuna gathered in one room, learning alongside one another and sharing the stories and teachings behind the mahi. The classes filled quickly, reflecting the strong interest from whānau in taking part.
Tāniko classes have also expanded from one evening class to three, reflecting the demand for learning opportunities and the dedication of kaiako Kura Hippolite, whose knowledge and teaching continue to inspire tauira.
The kaupapa also extends to Te Tauihu, where whānau have opportunities to learn from local tutors. There is considerable talent across our rohe, and creating opportunities for artists and tauira in Te Tauihu to develop and showcase their mahi is an important part of supporting toi Māori within Ngāti Toa.
Revitalising toi Māori is about more than creating beautiful works of art. It is about strengthening cultural identity, maintaining connections to our tūpuna, sharing mātauranga and ensuring the skills and practices that define us continue to thrive. Every tauira who learns, practises and passes on these skills contributes to that future.
‘He Toi Whakarauora’ is open from 24 October to 19 November at Toi Aro in Pōneke.
Whānau and the wider community are encouraged to visit and experience the breadth of toi Māori being nurtured through Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira’s programmes.
The exhibition was brought together by the Ahurea team, with thanks to Te Rauparaha Horomona, Ashley Johnson, Maikara Thorpe and Pikau Arthur for their contributions to curating and showcasing the mahi.
From the kaiako sharing their knowledge to the tauira developing their skills and whānau learning alongside one another, this mahi is helping keep Ngāti Toa toi Māori alive.
By creating opportunities to learn, practise and pass on these traditions, the Rūnanga is supporting the next generation to carry our mātauranga, stories and cultural identity forward.