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Attractions
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National Carving School (Te Wānanga Whakairo)In 1967, the first intake to the National Carving School began the task of learning the disciplines of their Māori ancestors. Among those students was Clive Fugill, the man who would become master carver of the institute today. "I’ll never forget that first day," says Clive, "Our master carver, Hone Taiapa, looked at us all and said, "you are here to learn the art to pass it on to generations. Keep it alive for we could lose our identity." It was exciting to be playing such an important role to save Māori art," says Clive, "everyone has a reason in life. This was my reason. And that’s why I’m still here over 40 years later. If we lose our arts and crafts we lose our identity." Today fulltime carving students study for three years at the national carving school, under the guidance of those, such as Clive Fugill and James Rickard, master carvers at Te Puia who were once institute carving students themselves. Visitors are welcome to visit the carving school to watch the carvers at work and ask them about their carving. The carving school is one of the attractions included in our Te Puia experience guided tours. Restoring knowledge Thanks to the carving and weaving schools at Te Puia, sacred meeting houses across New Zealand have been restored and woven art has been exhibited overseas. But most of all, the ancient teachings of our ancestors have been preserved and continue to thrive.
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