A series of free workshops at Te Hana Te Ao Marama, looking into the rich cultural heritage of carving of iwi Ngāti Whātua, will be on offer as the Māori Cultural Centre opens again to the public.
Starting on June 11, the workshops will be run over five consecutive weekends at the Te Hana site, from 10am to 2pm. As well as free entry, the workshops will also include complimentary lunches.
With just 20 to 30 spaces for each session, bookings are essential.
The centre used to run a carving course through Whangarei-based North Tec about 10 years ago and local teacher from that course, Graeme Grace, will be among those running the five days of workshops with master carver Matua Louis Kereopa. Kereopa, along with apprentices, carved many of the ko taikiaki in the village.
While there will be the opportunity for some hands-on carving during the final workshop, the series of workshops is designed to lead people on a journey through the style of Ngāti Whātua carving compared to iwi in different regions, drawing inspiration from local Māori history. During Matariki weekend, the focus will be on patterns and meanings, including various symbols, and learning how to draft designs for a final design.
The final workshop will include carvers Joseph Kapea and Eugene Walker.
Info: www.tehana.co.nz/EVENTS
