WĀNANGA KAIWHAKAIRO WĀHINE

Nov 24

Written By Threaded

Symphony Morunga, Lydia Day, Twilight Edwards, Mikara Hita. Wānanga Kaiwhakairo Wāhine, Hangatiki, August 2022.

*Te Tokanganui-a-Noho, Te Kuiti. August 2022*

*Hinewīrangi and students with Kaiwhakairo wāhine rōpu, Hangatiki, August 2022*

*Tai o Hī Tai o Hā and kaiwhakairo wāhine presenting haukāinga with the pou carved collectively during the Wānanga Kaiwhakairo Wāhine*

Led by Margy Aull and supported by Creative New Zealand, a small group of taiohi from our Tai o Hī Tai o Hā kaupapa were given the opportunity to attend the Wānanga Kaiwhakairo Wāhine in Waitomo earlier this year. Ranging in age from 15 – 22 years, four young wāhine from across Te Taitokerau participated - Symphony Morunga, Lydia Day, Mikara Hita and Twilight Edwards.

The wānanga space provided time to engage with pūkenga and ringatoi from across Aotearoa. As teina to the kaupapa, having never used a chisel before, we appreciated how generous everyone was with sharing their learnings and knowledge. It was an opportunity to share and connect with wāhine who, amongst them, have years of experience within the realm of whakairo.

A visit to the recently renovated whare, Te Tokanganui-a-Noho in Te Kuiti, was a special opportunity to see other styles of carving, kowhaiwhai and aspects of toi māori. We got an insight into how their creative expression has developed over generations while still holding on to the foundations their whare is built upon.

We had the privilege of spending time with whaea Hinewīrangi and her students. They shared kōrero and reflections pertaining to ngā Atua, te ira wāhine, taonga puoro and hue.

Haukāinga of Te Kauae o Niu Tīreni left us inspired as they shared kōrero of how their creative expression developed into a language that now houses their stories. Such a humble, impactful kōrero.

The Wānanga Kaiwhakairo Wāhine was a safe place to move freely, to observe, practice and share thoughts and kōrero. We are excited to see where this inspiration leads our young wāhine.

Ka tukuna e mātou he mihi nunui ki a Margy Aull, ki ngā hunga katoa e tautoko ana i te kaupapa nei - e mihi ana!

Here’s what Lydia Day shared about her experience:

Wānanga Kaiwhakairo Wāhine | Pūmahara

Nā Lydia Day

“This wānanga has exposed me to te ao whakairo, but on a deeper level the succession of wāhine prospering within this space. It was an honour to be part of a kaupapa amongst a collective of wāhine from different backgrounds connecting us all to mahi whakairo.

We were given the opportunity to carve pou and taonga pūoro under the tutelage of the Wāhine whakairo rōpū. We were then able to give these pou to the haukainga of Hangatiki - Maniapoto.

I remember the vibration sent through my hand the first time I used the pao and whao, the wood chips that enveloped the ground as we carved the pou bringing her to life. The sawdust that filled the air and clung to me like a second skin. The story of the missing niho taniwha pattern within the amo of the wharenui to represent the knowledge that was lost and never regained. And the oro of the pūrerehua tied to the shelter of the paepae twisting through the breeze.

There are many teachings from this wānanga I have gained and have added to my kete. We were given advice on what tools were needed to begin our journey within mahi whakairo. But most importantly, having a sharp tool. This wānanga has helped build my confidence within mahi whakairo. Some take homes were how to find the centre line on the rākau. Another was learning to master the craft of shaping and moulding the silhouette of your piece before learning the process of adornment. It was also great learning the processes of the different ngao and understanding there are many artforms within te ao whakairo. What I enjoyed most was having a go with a variety of tools such as the toki, whao and my personal fave sandpaper!

It was challenging to hear the struggles some wāhine have faced within mahi whakairo, but this only highlighted the many boundaries these wāhine have pushed past and the triumphs they have succeeded in carving new pathways for wāhine within and joining mahi whakairo.

A high point for me was carving amongst my peers and seeing the fruition of Taiohī Taiohā in new spaces. Toi Ngāpuhi have opened many doorways for us and I can’t wait to see what is on the horizon for us all.

A special thankyou to the Kaiwhakairo Wahine Group for an unforgettable experience and opening a supportive space to learn, network and create.”