poutuarongo toi whakairo
carving
bachelor of design and art
Toi Whakarākai aims to increase the number of Māori artists who are skilled in traditional techniques and who can significantly contribute towards the wellbeing and development of their marae, hapū and whānau. Students will choose between a weaving or carving pathway. Iwi and hapū studies and te reo Māori are a key part of all Toi Whakarākai programmes.
Whakairo (Carving)
If you are hands-on and love creating then begin your carving career here. Tell the stories of your whānau, hapū or iwi by giving voice and expression to thought via the visual medium of toi whakairo rākau (traditional Māori wood carving).
In this three year degree programme you will learn the production methods used in whakairo rākau while studying iwi narratives, pūrākau and Māori creation stories. Explore the concept of whakapapa (genealogy) that underpins the Māori world view and the foundations of traditional Māori carving. Journey into the realm of Māori deities, study their pūrākau and associated kōrero while creating artworks, such as, Hine Raukatauri (deity of wind instruments) and the pūtōrino; Tūmātauenga (deity of weaponry) and the hand weapons wahaika and kotiate; Rongomātāne (deity of peace and cultivation) to examine whare tūpuna; Mataora (deity of taa moko) and the components of te tuhi (design elements) and whakarākai (adornments, surface design).
Build upon these foundational skills in years two and three as you gain proficiency and the ability to apply advanced techniques to your creations. Assessments focus on whakairo rākau creations, oral presentations and visual diaries. As well as practical carving sessions, you will research your iwi, hapū and marae to drive creative works and study te reo Māori to assist in conveying the symbolism and imagery of your art. Graduates of the Poutuarongo Toi Whakarākai will be significant contributors to maintaining and extending iwi traditions and kōrero through whakairo artworks and creations.
To enrol in this qualification you must first complete the Heke Toi Whakarākai which is a one year diploma and the first year towards this three year qualification.
Code:
PTOI
Credits:
360
Duration:
3 years
Level:
NZQA Level 7
Delivery:
Residential seminars, self directed learning and online delivery
Location:
Mode:
Bilingual (Māori/English)
Next Intake:
17 Feb - 26 October 2025
Tuition Fees:
Whakairo (Carving) - $13,576.55 (approximately)
TOTAL cost for full three year cost.
Note: These do not include other course related costs such as resources for practical components.
Entry Requirements:
Minimum age of 17 years. Regular internet access, email address and computer or laptop with a working mic and camera are required.
Curriculum
Marautanga
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Calendar
Maramataka
Please contact your course administrator for more details:
Tracey Patete ext. 846
Hine Tahuparae ext. 735
After Graduation
Ka puta te ihu
- Working Artist
- Exhibition Technician
- Educator / Lecturer
- Curator
why te wānanga o raukawa
Distinctively Māori
Te Wānanga o Raukawa is a unique centre for higher learning and development, dedicated to the dissemination of Māori knowledge.
Higher Level Māori Learning
With a strong wish to see Māori achieving at the highest levels of education, Te Wānanga o Raukawa has positioned itself to cater specifically to higher level undergraduate, graduate and post graduate Māori students.
Pioneering Māori Education
Te Wānanga o Raukawa was established in 1981 as the first contemporary wānanga of Aotearoa, pioneering the application of kaupapa, tikanga, kawa to the advancement of Māori within a contemporary education context.