Rawene Arts students gain cultural awareness

Recently, Rāwene based Certificate of Applied Arts students visited the Ngai Tupoto Marae at Motukaraka, on the North side of the Hokianga Harbour. The visit formed a part of their Cultural Studies for an Arts paper, and aimed to give students an understanding of the history of the Hokianga.

A workshop, facilitated by Te Rarawa Treaty Negotiator, Paul White (Ngai Tupoto), aimed to give the students an understanding, not only of the beauty of where they live and work, but also a deeper sense of the history of the area, which they can draw upon within their art.

The Ngai Tupoto Marae, along with the Motukaraka area, has a very involved history, which was discussed during the workshop. Students were also interested in hearing about the stories of the tupuna which adorn the back wall of the wharenui. Some of these photos date back to the 1800’s.

Mr White also spoke about the history of Māori motifs, and the implications of their use.

This is the fourth year that the students have visited the marae, and it is considered by all involved to be a very important part of the NorthTec programme.

Picture: Certificate of Applied Arts students, accompanied by kuia Laura Peti (third from right), and workshop facilitator Paul White (far right), standing on the wharf at Ngai Tupoto Marae overlooking the Hokianga Harbour.