A Journey of wairua: Crafting a whare honouring traditional Māori art and connection

These amazing clients, with their inspiring vision, wanted their home to be more than just a space to live in – they wanted it to be a place of connection and soul.

To create this sense of wairua, they have integrated unique Māori elements into their home. This included stairs with traditional whakairo rākau (wood carving) features and a woven headboard commissioned from the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute - each piece telling its own story. 

Following their journey I have been moved on two fronts. Firstly, through hearing their whakapapa and observing their approach to encapsulating their stories into these unique artworks – a profoundly touching experience.

The clients expressed his own aspirations for their new home.

“Our new whare will be the meeting place for our whānau, it will be where we all come together from wherever we are and reconnect as a whānau.  It is and will always be our tūrangawaewae – where we are from and where we belong.  This is where we surf, collect kaimoana, relax and rejuvenate.  This home will be in our family forever".

Secondly was my visit to Te Puia, the home of the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, which was truly eye-opening. I had always thought of Te Puia as merely a tourist spot, but it is so much more. 

Te Puia houses the National Wood Carving School (Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau), the National Stone and Bone Carving School (Te Takapū o Rotowhio), and the National Weaving School (Te Rito o Rotowhio). Witnessing the creative process there was breathtaking. The talent and traditional artistry being nurtured there is remarkable, and it is inspiring to see these skills being passed down to future generations.

Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau Matanga Shane Poihipi-Paul, Tony Thompson, Haimona Seymour and Aaron Hepi carved the stairs and Te Rito o Rotowhio weavers, Aroha Mitchell, Hectorina Mulligan and Teresa Murray will weave the the Tukutuku headboard.

New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute general manager Eraia Kiel said it was great to see a unique commission such as this come through.

“ Māori art, when installed in a home, infuses it with a deeper sense of meaning and spirit. It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also anchors the space in rich cultural heritage, making this a truly inspired choice”

It has been 60 years since the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Act was passed is Parliament with its purpose to encourage, foster, and promote ahurea and toi Māori (culture and Māori arts) of New Zealand. 

As empowered under the Act of Parliament, NZMACI confers qualifications. These qualifications are conferred by the Tohunga (master carvers and weavers) as well as Tumu (heads) of each of NZMACI’s three wānanga which are equivalent to a Master’s Degree in the NZQA system.

Ka mau te wehi!

Lisa Buck, Thorne Group

Project Details:

Builder: Thorne Group Homes

Interior Designer: Annique Heensen (Gezellig Interiors)

Architect: HMOA Architects