Dion Maurirere works on a traditional wharepuni (sleeping house) in Pikirangi Maori Village. Photo / Supplied
Dion Maurirere works on a traditional wharepuni (sleeping house) in Pikirangi Maori Village. Photo / Supplied
Students can go back in time over the school holidays and experience what Maori life might have been like to live in a pa (village) setting during pre-European times.
One of the carvers from the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is completing restoration work at Pikirangi Maori Villagein Te Puia. It has meant tamariki (children) and whanau (families) have been able to watch this work in progress, with the handcrafting of traditional Maori whare (houses).
In keeping with tradition, the original whare-ponga (houses made from ponga trees) are being replaced with whare built from manuka trees and a range of natural fibres, bringing greater authenticity to the pa.
Dion Maurirere is a student in the institute's Te Takapu o Rotowhio (National Stone and Bone Carving School), which is providing support.
The school focuses on an array of indigenous materials and elements of traditional material culture. Mr Maurirere is also being helped by Ngati Hikairo - a hapu (sub-tribe) of Ngati Tuwharetoa - as well as the on-site Te Wananga Whakairo Rakau (National Wood Carving School) and Te Puia staff.
Mr Maurirere was brought up in the bush, pig hunting with his father, where they would build small wharepuni (sleeping houses) to stay in for days at a time.
He now spends his weekdays in Pikirangi, making the most of his skills and weaving some magic back into the pa by returning to the 'old ways'.
The finished wharepuni (sleeping house) in Pikirangi Maori Village was crafted using traditional methods. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
"At the back of the whare, there's a secret exit covered by harakeke (flax) for a quick escape - our tipuna (ancestors) sometimes dug tunnels from inside the whare to the outside of the palisades and would often fool intruders," he said.
Visitors are welcome to ask questions about the construction of the whare, like the reason for the roof's overhang, or why the entrance door is kept small.
As well as the restoration work, an area is also being prepared for the installation of a miniature carved whare which has recently returned from Germany. The miniature was originally carved by the institute for the Museumsuferfest and Frankfurt Book Fair in October 2012 to promote New Zealand and Maori culture.
A grass area is also planned for tamariki to bring a sense of fun to the pa. This area will see the installation of moari (traditional Maori swings) and other activities, keeping as close to tradition as possible.
The school focuses on an array of indigenous materials and elements of traditional material culture.
Tamariki and their whanau can go inside the whare and try out the secret exit, take photos and check out the views of the geyser terrace. The pa also includes a pataka (storehouse), old waka (canoe), traditional hangi pits (earth ovens) and drying racks.
