N.I. study tour for Maori artists

Press, 20 August 1982, Page 21

N.I. study tour for Maori artists

The need for accurate carving and weaving at the National Marae in Aranui has prompted a nine-day stucy tour of North Islanii mrraes by a group of local Miori people. They intend to learn more rbout the carving, weaving, and history of each tribal area.

As New Zealand's first national marae, the Nga Hau Wha Marae in Aranui will include carvings representing all major Maori tribes.

“It is important that the carving representing each tribe's ancestor is accurate and identical to that in the tribal meeting house." said the marae secretary, Mr Hori Brennan.

Of the 107 carvings in the meeting house nine represented North Island tribes. Also included would be Polynesian carvings and sonie depicting James Cook and Abel Tasman, to represent

Polynesian and European history. Research had been done into North Island carving, said the marae president. Mr Peter Heal, but the only way of leaning more was to visit the North Island and talk to elders. Weavers and carvers v/ould discuss their crafts with the elders of each area visited and make notes and drawings, he said. Wherever possible photographs and tape recordings would be taken, but much of the information would be tapu. Included in the touring group of 50 are local elders and representatives of most Canterbury maraes from Kaikoura to Temuka.

The response to the study tour from North Island Maori people had been very good, said Mr Brennan, who has spent the last two months organising the $5OOO trip.

“In one place they will

have 80 delegates — elders and others — to speak to us."

The tour will take the group to Wellington. Taranaki. Hamilton. Rotorua. Wanganui. Gisborne, and Taupo. They will seek information on eight Maori tohunga whose descendants have links with the South Island.

Carvings of these eight men usually appear on the verandas of most North Island meeting houses, but will be placed inside the Nga Hau Wha house. The eight carvings on the veranda posts will be of figures from South Island history. The Nga Hau Wha house will be completed in about 18 months. The $1 million needed for first stage of the project has been raised. Another $1 million appeal will be launched at the beginning of November when the Governor-General (Sir David Beattie) will unveil the carved archway above the main trato of the marae.