Awa Puoro members (from left) Merenia Ashwell, Lee Williams and Jessica Kahukura play at Alexander Heritage and Research Library. Photo / Gail Imhoff
Ngā taonga puoro (traditional Māori musical instruments) were used for healing and a wānanga in Whanganui aims to teach people about their benefits.
The educational weekend at Te Ao Hou Marae on December 13-15 is being organised by Awa Puoro, a group of people with an interest in playing and
teaching others about ngā taonga puoro. The group formed earlier this year and has performed in various Whanganui locations including the Sarjeant Gallery, libraries, Bushy Park, i-Site and Castlecliff Beach.
Over the past few months the group has been involved in workshops with organisations including Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority and Taumarunui High School.
Group member Elise Goodge said there had been community demand to learn more about taonga puoro and how players have used the instruments to assist with managing mental health conditions and trauma.
"This wānanga is an opportunity to introduce ngā taonga puoro to the wider community by highlighting one of their traditional uses, which was healing," Goodge said.
