He Toi Whakairo at Te Papa

Rangitāne rangatahi Rihari Bird, Manaia Huntley and Sativa Scott, accompanied by Keelan Walker and Will Macdonald, travelled to Pōneke to attend the dawn blessing and opening of He Toi Whakairo | The Art of Māori Carving at Te Papa Tongarewa.

The exhibition celebrates the legacy, mana and future of whakairo Māori, showcasing taonga and stories from generations of carvers.

Of special significance to Rangitāne is the inclusion of Wahangohi (Wahaika), a taonga from Tōtaranui, Te Tauihu, associated with Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Kuia and Ngāti Apa ki Te Rā Tō.

The visit provided an opportunity for our rangatahi to connect with taonga, deepen their understanding of whakairo Māori, and represent Rangitāne alongside whānau, hapū and iwi from across Aotearoa.