The National Schools Of Wood Carving, Stone & Bone Carving, and Weaving

Based in Rotorua, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) is the home of the national schools of carving (including pounamu and bone) and weaving.

The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Act (1963) sets out the Institute as a legal entity, as well as defining its functions to preserve, promote and perpetuate Māori arts and crafts.

It is this legislation that governs the day to day activities of both NZMACI and Te Puia.

As a recipient and guardian of a strong nationally focused cultural legacy, NZMACI has been able to position itself at the forefront of Māori cultural representation, locally, nationally and internationally.

The Act reinforces this foundation and is unique internationally in its explicit recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples to the preservation and practice of their traditional arts, crafts and culture.

Te Rito

The National Weaving School

About Te Rito

“Ko te taura whiri, he whiri i te tangata – The flax fibre cord is like the cord that connects people”

The original weaving school – Te Whare Raranga – was established in 1969, shortly after the carving school. It was run by New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute’s first employed weaving tutor, internationally renowned weaver, Emily Schuster (QSM, OBE).

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Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau o Aotearoa

The National Wood Carving School

About Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau o Aotearoa

“Ehara i a te rākau te whakaaro, kei ā te Tohunga tārai i te rākau te whakaaro – It is a carver, not the wood that has the understanding – If you forget your ancestors, you too are forgotten”

Since the first intake at Te Wānanga Whakairo, many young Māori from iwi (tribes) throughout New Zealand have been taught the Māori practice of wood carving under the expert guidance of master carvers who were once trainees at the school.

Applications Now Open For 2020

We are only accepting applications for Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau o Aotearoa (National Wood Carving School) and Te Takapū o Rotowhio (National Bone & Stone Carving School) for 2020. If you would like to register your interest for any of our other Kura please complete an EOI form here.

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Te Takapū o Rotowhio

The National Stone and Bone Carving School

About Te Takapū o Rotowhio

At Te Takapū, students learn the revered tradition of carving pounamu (Nephrite-Jade/Greenstone), bone and stone.

The school opened on 5 October 2009, expanding on NZMACI’s commitment to maintaining, developing and promoting the arts, crafts and culture of iwi Māori (Māori tribes) as mandated by the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute Act (1963) (History).

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