New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute

Our second-year tauira, Katete Cassidy and Heretini Fidow, are nearing the completion of their studies at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute and are now carving their graduation exhibition pieces, Hei Poupou.

Hei Poupou represents the culmination of their learning journey so far. In the first year, tauira focus on understanding form and structure. In the second year, they begin developing tribal styles and exploring the characteristics that define different regional approaches carving. These foundations are then carried into Hei Poupou, where all past modules, experiences, and carving techniques come together in a single body of mahi.

Each piece becomes a reflection of the tauira themselves, showcasing not only technical ability, but also the growth, discipline, and individuality shaped throughout their training.

Congratulations to former tauira Riki Manuel, appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

A member of our 8th intake, Riki graduated in 1977 under master carver Hone Te Kauru Taiapa. Over five decades, he has dedicated his life to whakairo and tā moko, shaping the development and visibility of Toi Māori both in Aotearoa and internationally.

As Riki shared: "I graduated from the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and have been making a living through my art ever since. I'm grateful for the teachings I received and the foundation they gave me."

A proud moment for us as we get to celebrate one of our own.

Our Third-year tauira are currently working through their last kōwae ako before graduation.

Our tauira are focusing on Taiaha and Toki Poutangata. Both Akiira Huata & Manawaru Rangihau are working on taiaha, a traditional Māori weapon used in close quarter combat, requiring precision, discipline, and strong knowledge of movement and timing.

Alongside this, our tauira Sonny Ngaheu are also carving Toki Poutangata, ceremonial adzes inspired by the traditional toki used in whakairo but, created for symbolic and ceremonial purposes.

Our First-year tauira are making steady progress through their kōwae ako for māhē.
Māhē are stone sinkers used to weigh down fishing lines and nets, and while the concept is simple, each tauira brings their own flair to the mahi. Tribal-styled carving techniques, regional influences, and personal art forms are coming through, making every māhē unique despite sharing the same core function. 🪝

Kete whakairo are woven flax bags of a finer quality than the general utilitarian kete. They are normally made from prepared strips of harakeke and/or kiekie, some of which have been dyed, and may feature geometric designs.

A weaver’s personality and character are reflected in their mahi. Some are drawn to brighter, bolder colours and striking designs, while others prefer subtle tones and patterns that feel more aligned with who they are. A finished kete does not simply showcase skill and artistic knowledge, it is an extension of the weaver themselves, with a part of them woven into every piece.

These Kete Whakairo were woven by our Tauira Angela Farrar, Kimberley Todd, Lea Wirihana and Stevie Katipa-Nepia.

Purchase now online or in-store at Te Puia - Rotorua, NZ home of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute

Become a tauira (student) at NZMACI, where we welcome creative minds from every corner of Aotearoa.

Under the guidance of our tohunga (master artists), you’ll learn the revered traditional arts of whakairo rākau (wood carving), whakairo pounamu, kōhatu me te parāoa (stone and bone carving), and raranga me te whatu (weaving).

Spaces are limited. Expression of Interests are open for the 2026 intake. Follow the link below for more information.

https://www.tepuia.com/new-intake/

As a part of their kōwae ako, first and second year tauira have been steadily working on their own tekoteko.

This particular module promotes collaboration, allowing tauira to work side by side on the same whakairo, sharpening their skills together while contributing to a project that will soon stand proudly here on-site.

Over the next few weeks, they’ll continue shaping, refining and bringing each tekoteko to life. Here’s a look behind the scenes as our tauira move through each stage of the journey.

Our first-year tauira at Te Rito o Rotowhio are nearing the end of their kōwae ako in kete whakairo at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute.

Over the course of this 6-week wānanga, each tauira creates six kete, exploring different techniques, patterns, and designs that reflect both individual expression and traditional practice.

As they approach the completion of their final kete, their mahi is proudly displayed together, a collective representation of growth, patience, and the weaving of both skill and identity.

Our 2nd year tauira at Te Takapū o Rotowhio are deep into one of the most significant modules of their journey at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute carving hei tiki.

This 6-week wānanga is the final modules in their programme, and for good reason. Hei tiki are among the most complex forms our tūpuna created in stone and bone carving. Therefore because of the time and resources it took to create, it was amongst the most valuable of family heirlooms.

Out of the thousands of hei tiki ever made, no two are the same, each is unique.
Although modern tools are used today, the methods remain grounded in tradition to ensure an understanding of why and how our ancestors carved informs every stroke, every form, every decision.