Mokihi

One of the workshops held at Hui a  Iwi was to make a Mokihi.
Whanau had a fun time using raupo and harakeke making these models. Tumeke!

He Ruru

Came across a tree full of these manu in the reception area of a school. What a great art, waiata and science activity. Each child was given eyes, circles and rope brown paper. There is a spring clip peg glued to the back (for attaching to the tree). Art - creativity when using a variety of papers, beads, feathers, colours etc to make it their own. The waiata - Te Ruru is a fun one for tamariki, with actions. Compose another. Science - study of NZ Native Birds and or Birds in general.

Taonga Puoro: Bubu

Photo shows four Bubu shells. Also known as Pupu, the 'complete' fish has a Cats Eye shell which has many uses in Art and Crafts. I have also experienced eating the 'fish'. A bit like paua!
The bubu on the bottom right has a natural hole in it. This allows the notes that are produced to vary. Or one can close the hole and play without a finger hole.
The challenge is to blow (gently) onto the side of the shell placing the thick chunky 'side' well into the corner of your lips / mouth.
The rangi produced can be mournful.
Bubu live on the rocks. The empty shells can be picked up when one is beachcombing on the seashore.  Good luck!

Kūkūpa / Kererū.

The kūkūpa is a lowland forest dwelling manu, native to Aotearoa.
In early settlement times, they were plentiful and provided a meal for
many a whanau.
Today kūkūpa are a protected manu. Perhaps one day Māori and others will be able to once again taste 'stewed' or 'roast' kūpūpa again.
My husband remembers seeing them in the ngahere, watching him fishing.
These days they can be seen in plum trees, willow trees and even eating the fresh young leaves of broom.
If you want to read more about the Kūkūpa, Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tahu have produced a book called: E Kūkū te kererū. This publication is an Oral histories and recent research into the Banks Peninsula kererū.