From Rotorua carving student to guide at Te Puia

Haupiri Tawhai has been a guide at Te Puia for more than 20 years. Photo/Supplied

Shying away from manuhiri (visitors) by positioning himself in the middle of the wood carving school has completely changed for Te Puia guide Haupiri Tawhai.

Now confidently leading manuhiri around Te Puia, Tawhai says what he enjoys most about his role is meeting people from around the world who are genuinely interested in Maori culture and its people.

As a descendant of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Ngāi Tūhoe, Tawhai started as a carving apprentice in 1991.

After graduating in 1993, he remained at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute with a role at the forefront of the carving school.

"Interacting with manuhiri at the school spurred me towards my role as a guide," he said.

"It taught me interpersonal skills and brought me out of my shell, granting me the ability to be comfortable with my own people and people in general."

A guide now for more than 20 years, Tawhai said the exchange of information between manuhiri and himself was often thought-provoking.

"Now and again, I get those difficult questions that make me think differently and challenge my knowledge, giving me the opportunity to widen my understanding of Māori culture and its people."

Tawhai said he still carves as a hobby, mainly for whānau and friends.

"I learned to carve for my whānau, iwi and hapū and am thankful to NZMACI for the skills to pass on to my people."

Coming from Omaio Bay in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Tawhai said Te Puia will always be home.

"My wife Carla and I met and married here, and I've learnt so much from this place - I'm thankful for what the people here have done for me."