The Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is dedicated to preserving Maori culture. Watch expert carvers and weavers produce sublime statues and garments. Listen to stories about why these arts are so precious to the country’s tribes and survey an array of exquisite handmade products.
Established in 1926, the institute aims to ensure the survival of ancient Maori traditions. Since its opening, generations of students have been taught a wide variety of practices here, from weaving to stone and bone carving.
Of all the great arts associated with this nation, wood carving is certainly one of the best-known. What is less well-known, however, is that until the 19th century, carving was used as a means of communication to document important events, almost like a written language. Follow a guide around the school inspecting the intricate shapes and carved patterns that are used to decorate not only gifts and tribal statues but also small buildings.
The school also teaches students the craft of carving stone, bone and New Zealand greenstone. Discover how students here use metal and resin castings to form tools and pretty sculptures.
Meet talented artisans at the national weaving school and talk to them about their work. Chat with weavers as they extract fine flax fibre and weave it into stunning garments and baskets. Try some simple weaving techniques yourself and learn about the significance of these weaved products for the Maori community. The brittle plant fibres were turned into clothes that would protect their wearers from the cold winters.
Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is about 10 minutes south of Rotorua by car. The institute is open all week with guided tours available throughout the day. Browse the on-site gift shop to buy hats and other souvenirs that have been handcrafted here at the institute.
