Tukutuku Workshop at Te Ahu, featured on Te Karere

A Matariki workshop held at the Kaitāia Library this week with the aim of reviving the art of tukutuku has attracted the attention of national broadcaster Te Karere (Māori news).

The Tuesday (4 July) workshop was the first of many planned around the district to celebrate Matariki and a report on the event was featured that evening on the Māori current affairs show.  

Twenty-three children and 24 adults attended the workshop, keen to celebrate the significance of Matariki and to revive traditional Māori art, skills and mātauranga. The event provided a space for learning and the sharing of knowledge, guided by skilled artists and passionate community members, who wove together stories and traditions.

The news item recorded the vibrant colours and detailed patterns of the tukutuku panels coming to life and interviewed artists and participants.

Asked to say what their favourite aspects of the workshop were, attendees said: “Learning the kōrero behind different designs and the balance of learning versus practical application”, and “Knowing what I’m making and the significance.” Another said, “Learning and hands on mahi. Meeting other people in our community, connecting to culture, people, knowledge.”

You can watch the Te Karere news item here and read more about Matariki workshops planned over coming weeks here.

Marewa, Awhina and Betsy. Photo credit: Harata Brown, Te Karere.