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.

Ki o Rahi, posted 1 August 2015

A basic Ki o Rahi kit.

Ki o Rahi

A traditional Maori  ball game (which is played around te Ao)  based on the Purakau which has Rahi, a legendary figure, feeding his tupuna, in the form of a large rock, with his 'mauri' contained in a small kete, or 'ki'.

Oraka-Aparima Runaka (Colac Bay and Riverton) hosted tamariki from 7 of their local schools to have friendly games with each other. This event was held at Takutai o te Titi Marae on the 'old' school field.
If you would like any more information here is link which will inform you on rules, field layout, etc
 http://www.r2r.org.nz/games-activities-maori-youth/ki-o-rahi.html

Pampas Grass, Saturday 25 July 2015

Toetoe versus Pampas Grass.

Toetoe is the native 'pampas grass' as opposed to actual Pampas grass which is an introduced 'grass' and has a very fluffy, feathery flower. Pampas grass flowers in the Winter, toetoe does not.

Māori used toetoe stalks for making frames to work tukutuku patterns. The stalks were also used in the making of manu aute - kites.

I always thought Toetoe was spelled Toitoi. Maybe this is something you could check out!http://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/plants-grasses-sedges-rushes-nz-natives/toetoe.html

Hue / Gourd: Taonga Puoro.

         Hue / Gourd

 A photo of the hue I purchased from the Pumpkin Barn, Millers Flat. 
Hopefully I will be able to find a place that has warmth and a good air flow to dry them out!
Then (next year probably) I can have a go at making a Hopurangi or a Koauau punga ihu. 

(Ref. Page 31, 32 of the book Taonga Puoro Singing Treasures.) 

Wish me luck!

Poi Awhiowhio (Whistling Gourd)

Poi Awhiowhio: (Whistling gourd)
Poi awhiowhio are medium-sized gourds which are swung on a cord that can be threaded through a hole in the neck or even through the neck and base. A description continues about these Taonga Puoro  on page 29 of the book Taonga Puoro Singing Treasures, written by Brian Flintoff.
As they rotate they make a chattering whistle. Their tangi is very quiet and it needs concentration to appreciate it.

One must take care when swinging the Poi Awhiowhio not to hit walls, doors, lights or close furniture. Once cracked and or broken the sound is never the same again and one should start anew. Unfortunately Gourds are not easily grown in Murihiku. You could have a go at growing them though.
If you would like to know more contact the RTM's at rtm.maori@gmail.com

Ngai Tahu Publications.

This months Te Karaka and Te Panui Runaka arrived in my letter box this week. Both magazines are well worth reading. 
Te Panui Runaka keeps one up with activities that are being held in and by the whanau of the 18 Papatipu Runaka in Te Waipounamu, Ngai Tahu whanau whanui, as well as those who live in te Ika a Maui. 
 Te Karaka, is a more 'serious' magazine with many articles, stories, interviews and opinions etc on Ngai Tahu people, their mahi and aspirations etc. Both magazines are great for information sharing and learning from. 
If you are a registered Ngai Tahu person you qualify for these magazines otherwise contact your local Ngai Tahu Runaka or 0800 Kai Tahu for more information or the rtm's in Murihiku on rtm.maori@gmail.com

Rangimaria's Post on Wednesday, 27 May 2015

Pa Harakeke. Takutai o te Titi has a Pa Harakeke growing along the east side of the Whare. These are different types of Harakeke, each with its own name. The plants were brought from Lincoln University (Otautahi) and grown here for their special properties. If you would like to know more about them contact the RTMs at rtm.maori@gmail.com

Mahi Rohe (Making Rosebuds)

 Harakeke 'winters' over in the months of May, June, July and August. There is no 'r ' in the month. This is when it is heavy and sodden - really hard to work. However, there are times when one can work harakeke during this time, especially if there has been a break in the weather. Today I taught some pupils how to make a rohe - rosebud, out of harakeke. I had cut and prepared the harakeke at least three days prior to using it hoping most of its moisture had come out. The photo shows a rau (leaf), a rohe being made and a bunch of rohe finished. My kit is also in the picture. There is a craft knife, dog comb, pair of scissors, meat skewer, and a bone handled knife. All of these articles are useful to me.

Rangimaria's Post on Wednesday, 29 April 2015

Ko Aparima te awa. Ko O'Hekeia nga puke Ko Kiteroa te kainga tawhito Ko Pirioho nga kawiti Aparima is the river Longwoods are the hills Kiteroa is the old pa Pirioho are the Narrows.

Rangimaria's Video on Tuesday, 28 April 2015