Learn the traditional Māori art of weaving as taught by experienced tutors at Te Rito o Rotowhio, the National Weaving School.
Become a tauira and join the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute. You will not only learn the skills for raranga and refine your art form, but the tikanga associated with weaving.
This tohu is for two years, and open to males and females of Māori descent 18 years and older. Link in bio for more info or contact us and let’s have a kōrero.
Learn the revered tradition of carving pounamu, bone and stone at Te Takapū o Rotowhio, the National Stone and Bone Carving School.
Become a tauira and join the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute. You will learn a range of traditional and contemporary carving and sculpting techniques, using a variety of tools and practical methods to create taonga.
This tohu is for two years, and open to males and females of Māori descent 18 years and older. Applications for next year's intake close today. Link in bio for more info or contact us and let’s have a kōrero; all expressions of interest are welcome.
Learn the Māori practice of wood carving at Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau, the National Wood Carving School.
Become a tauira and join the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute. You will learn the techniques and skills required to transmit Māori concepts and kōrero through carving, and to create different taonga.
This tohu is for three years, and open to males of Māori descent 18 years and older. Applications for next year's intake close today. Link in bio for more info or contact us and let’s have a kōrero; all expressions of interest are welcome.
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. 🪝
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 @tepuia , home of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. @nzmaci
We proudly acknowledge New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Tohunga Whakairo Rākau Clive Fugill CNZM (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Raukawa) — recipient of the Ngā Tohu Hautūtanga Auaha Toi – Making a Difference Award 2025 as part of the Te Waka Toi Awards, the longest-standing national celebration of excellence across ngā toi Māori.
As one of One of Aotearoa’s most esteemed master carvers and cultural leaders, Clive was part of the inaugural 1967 intake at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI). His journey reflects the vision of the Institute — from tauira to tohunga Whakairo Rākau of Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau o Aotearoa (The National Wood Carving School).
For nearly six decades, Clive has dedicated his life to the revitalisation and protection of whakairo Māori. From carving with a pocketknife in a woodshed to becoming Tohunga Whakairo of the National Wood Carving School at Te Puia, his influence has shaped generations of ringatoi and safeguarded mātauranga Māori for the future.
Guided by the kaupapa of hoki ki te kāinga, Clive was presented his award here at Te Puia honouring where his mahi truly lives and breathes.
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 starting in July.
Click the link in bio for more information.
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. They are carving hei tiki at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute.
This 6-week wānanga is the final module 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 - this informs every stroke, every form, every decision.
