Te Whare Tīpuna: A Journey into Hauora Māori

Kei aku nui, kei aku rahi

Join Ngati Poneke Māori Arts in celebrating Matariki at Pipitea Marae.

Immerse yourself in a week filled with traditional and contemporary Māori events, art, culture, and community.

We are delighted to announce the return of esteemed guest speaker and long-time supporter of our Matariki festival and Ngati Poneke Maori Arts, Dr Takirirangi Smith (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Apa, and Te Aitanga a Hauiti).

Dr Smith, a renowned tohunga whakairo (master carver) will be sharing his insights on the whare tipuna, domain of Rongo, and its role within hauora (Hint – it’s not simply a health model!).

Join us in our whare, Te Upoko-o-te-Ika-a-Māui, Pipitea Marae for this kōrero. Let’s gather to learn from the teachings of Dr Takirirangi Smith as he guides us through the significance of the whare tipuna.

The whare tipuna that stands as a testament to the ancestral wisdom and narratives that shape our people. Its physical structure and symbolic elements, it carries the collective memory, traditions, customs and values that form the foundation of Māori identity. As we delve into Dr Smith’s kōrero, we will gain a deeper understanding of the whare tipuna and its ability to ground us to Papa-tūā-nuku, connect us to Ranginui, and with Rongo between, holding space for all human emotion and expression – ngā kokonga ngākau e kore e kitea.

This event is part of Te Whakanui i a Matariki, proudly hosted by Ngati Poneke Maori Arts. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more information on our other events: @ngatiponekemaoriarts.