Matai Whetu Marae was a hive of activity on Tuesday and Wednesday as whānau came together for our two-day Tukutuku Wānanga.

We had an incredible turnout across the two days, with whānau coming together to learn, create, share kōrero and connect through the art of tukutuku.

The wānanga was about much more than learning how to create a tukutuku panel. Our kaiwhakaako shared the mātauranga and kōrero that sit behind the different patterns – what they mean, why particular designs are created, and the stories they can represent.

One of the important lessons shared throughout the wānanga was that every design has a story.

As each pattern began to take shape, we gained a greater understanding that tukutuku is not simply about what we see in the finished panel. The patterns can carry kōrero, represent people, places and values, and provide a way of preserving and sharing stories through generations.

It was wonderful to see Matai Whetu Marae filled with whānau learning alongside one another. There was plenty of concentration as everyone worked on their pieces, but just as importantly, there was lots of kōrero, laughter and connection throughout the two days.

The huge turnout showed just how much interest there is within our whānau in opportunities to learn and participate in kaupapa such as this.

Wānanga like this provide an important space for our people to come together, learn new skills, strengthen connections and ensure mātauranga continues to be shared within our whānau and with generations to come.

A huge mihi to our kaiwhakaako for sharing their knowledge, stories and skills so generously, to Matai Whetu Marae for providing the space for us to come together, and to everyone who attended and made the wānanga such a success.