A Journey Through Whakairo: My Final Pou Assignment 2024

Creating my final whakairo assignment has been an experience of deep reflection, learning, and connection. The task was to design and carve a pou, and I originally envisioned it as a self-portrait with a manaia as a kaitiaki. At first, the manaia was meant to represent a period of growth and resilience during my teenage years. However, the sudden and heartbreaking passing of my beloved uncle, our kaumātua Te Ihi Tito, profoundly shifted my whakaaro for this piece.

The manaia on my shoulder now stands as a tribute to my uncle, acknowledging his guidance and wisdom. During my time learning about our local history, mātauranga Māori, and whānau whakapapa, he was a constant source of inspiration and knowledge. This pou became a way to honour his legacy and the impact he has had on my journey.

The tongue of the wheku symbolises my passion as a kaiako of Toi Māori. It reflects my love for teaching and sharing the artistry, stories, and cultural significance of our taonga tuku iho. Teaching is not just my profession but a deep calling, and this piece celebrates that.

One leg of the pou features a carved fish tail, representing my love for the moana. Ocean swimming and racing are not just hobbies for me but a source of adventure and connection to Tangaroa. The fish tail ties my artistic expression to the natural world and my passion for exploration.

The eyes on the wheku have become a signature element in my whakairo. This style stems from advice I once received from Julianna Hoogeveen, a mentor and talented painter, whose guidance continues to influence my work. These distinctive eyes reflect my unique artistic voice while honouring the wisdom passed down to me.

The material for this piece is equally significant. The pou itself is carved from kauri, a beautiful and resilient wood. To give it the presence of a pou you might find in a whare tūpuna, I decided to add a backboard. This, too, is kauri, upcycled from wall boards of our homestead, once home to my great-grandparents, Huirua and Te Ruihana. The base, a solid kauri piece from an old table crafted by my brother-in-law in the 1990s, is a stunning piece with an intense grain that seems to echo the heart of the kauri tree.

The carving process came with challenges, particularly in understanding how to work with the grain. I learned that respecting the wood’s natural flow made my designs easier to create and more harmonious. Patching the iro (borer) holes in the backboard and finishing the piece with Danish oil added the final touches, enhancing the kauri’s natural beauty and giving it a timeless quality.

In conclusion, this journey has been deeply rewarding. It has not only honed my carving skills but also allowed me to honour my whakapapa, express my identity, and celebrate the legacy of those who have guided me. As a final gesture, I have decided to koha the pou to Mangakahia Area School. It will be presented as an end-of-year prize for the top Toi Māori student, ensuring that this piece inspires others to continue the legacy of Toi Māori.

Creating this pou has been more than an assignment; it has been a journey of self-discovery, remembrance, and connection to my roots. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of whakairo and the enduring legacy of Toi Māori.