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The Gisborne Photo News

 

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Pioneering Maori Arts And Crafts School

A large group of Ngati Whatua Maoris, from Auckland, accompanied by officials of the Auckland University, and others, travelled to Tikitiki last month to attend an on the spot course in Maori carving, tukutuku, and decorative work.

The first of its kind to be held in New Zealand, the course was conducted by Mr Pine Taiapa, acknowledged as one of the finest Maori craftsmen and tutors in the country, at the request of the extension department of the Auckland University.

During their stay, the visitors were the guests of the Ngatiporou people in Tikitiki.

A highlight of the course was a visit by the Minister of Education, Mr A. E. Kinsella, from whom support for the residential school to become an annual one was sought by the elders of the tribe. (Pictures by John Burland).

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Before an interested audience, including the Minister (centre), Pine Taiapa demonstrated his skill with an adze.

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A member of the visiting tribe follows her tutor as she handles a bunch of Kiekie leaves.

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Pine Taiapa discusses a carved calabash with the Minister (left) and Mr S. R. Morrison, director of the extension department of Auckland University.

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Paul Weka (left) of Tikitiki shows visitors how Kiekie leaves are boiled in a copper. At right is Koro Dewes, Maori tutor at Auckland University, recording the talk.

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A pakeha member of the visiting party tracing out carvings prior to cutting.

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Kai time for the visitors. Food supplies which fed the 100 visitors for a week were all donated by East Coast welfare leagues and the Ngatiporou people.

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Lena Nukunuku (left), of Tikitiki, demonstrating Kiekie sizing and separation to two visitors

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A local elder, Mr Hamana Mahuika, O.B.E., extending a welcome to the Minister at the Tikitiki marae.

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The Auckland party's bus driver became very interested in the course and tried his hand at tying a tukutuku panel.

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Members of the host tribe perform an action song to bid farewell to their guests at the end of the art week