As part of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, students in Motueka explored the rich cultural significance of the wharenui (meeting house). They learned how its architecture represents an ancestor’s body and how carved panels tell the stories and genealogy of the iwi.

Building on this, the tamariki studied the intricate designs and meanings of traditional tukutuku (latticework) panels, such as Poutama, Niho Taniwha and Purapura Whetū. Using these customary patterns and colors, they put their new knowledge into practice by cross-stitching their own “tukutuku” panels, creating a meaningful, hands-on connection to te ao Māori.

Kirsty Jones

Kaiako – Nelson/Tasman