The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Foundation was launched last week, marking a new era for the wānanga by inviting partnerships for the future.
Last Thursday evening was a star-studded night with many business leaders, iwi representatives, community trusts and NZMACI alumni attending in support of the kaupapa.
Under the 2020 New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Vesting Act, students at NZMACI gain tohunga-conferred qualifications. This continues a 99-year history since Tā Apirana Ngata set up the original Act of Parliament and wānanga which ensures traditional practices are passed on through the generations at the highest standard of excellence.
Up until 2020, NZMACI had been a non-funded Crown Entity, however since the vesting, the responsibility for delivering the functions of the Act of Parliament have been upheld by two iwi – Wāhiao Tūhourangi o Whakarewarewa and Ngāti Whakaue. The Act outlines a responsibility to encourage, foster, and promote ahurea and toi Māori (culture and Māori arts) and to provide training for the iwi of Aotearoa New Zealand in carving and weaving.
NZMACI carvers past and present
NZMACI Foundation Funding and Commercial Innovation Manager Tatiana Kiwi-Knight says as this is on behalf of and for the benefit of all Aotearoa, NZMACI would like to invite wider partnerships to reach the future vision and to fulfil the functions of the Act together.
“We are asking iwi and businesses to come and have a kōrero with us about partnerships”.
Tainui chair Tukoroirangi Morgan got up to speak at the event and said Tainui would commit to paying for their tauira at NZMACI, with a commitment now for the 2026 intake.
Te Rito o Rotowhio Tumu Cori with Tukoroirangi Morgan
Ngāi Tahu master carver and previous NZMACI graduate Fayne Robinson said it was great to attend and to see the direction the Institute wants to head in, with partnership opportunities for iwi.
“I see the charitable Foundation as a positive thing, it’s always good to give back and to keep the arts alive.
“I feel we always owe this space, NZMACI, for what it has given to us, so anything we can do to help – we are always here,” he explained.
“Being from one of the earlier intakes – I was 13th, you can see the transformation of the whole place tonight, the tauira are really next level and it’s good to see.
“This place (NZMACI) set the foundation for a lot of carvers who have been through, who are still carving, and who have maintained the standard set for them and lifted themselves even further which is a win.”
MC Scotty Morrison
Other speakers during the evening included Scotty Morrison as MC, Master carver Gordon Toi, his son Maaka Toi who graduated the week before, Te Puia CEO Tim Cossar and NZMACI GM Eraia Kiel.
Attendees were taken for guided tours of Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau (National Wood Carving School), Te Takapū o Rotowhio (National Stone and Bone Carving School) and Te Rito o Rotowhio (the National Weaving School).
A silent auction also saw taonga from each school, made specifically to celebrate this milestone, sold on the night including a poi waero, hoe, and pounamu hei tiki.
Cliff Curtis and Tatiana Kiwi-Knight
The NZMACI Foundation is now open to receiving donations or discussing partnerships. More information can be found here: www.nzmacifoundation.com
Ranginui, Taurua, Tara and James
Tainui chair Tukoroirangi Morgan and Actor Temuera Morrison
NZMACI GM Eraia Kiel
Tohunga Whakairo Clive Fugill and Mercury’s Emily Collis