Tauranga artist Jo'el Komene is offering Eastern Bay of Plenty residents the chance to come and listen to the sounds of taonga puoro (traditional Māori musical instrument) and learn about its origins.

The two sessions being held at Te Kōputu a Te Whanga a Toi (Whakatane Library) on July 12 with both a demonstration and workshop centred on taonga puoro.

Jo'el Komene playing a taonga puoro (see image in full below). Photo Supplied.

Jo'el is an artist, musician, carver and educator who was born in Tauranga and has whakapapa links to Ngā Puhi, Tainui and Tapuika tribes. Based in Tauranga, he performs, creates instruments and teaches taonga puoro to a vast range of audiences.

He has performed both nationally and internationally, and is a highly sought-after artist. Jo'el's personal approach to his work is heartfelt and passionate as he strives to connect the traditions and origins of taonga puoro to the modern world. He achieves this by honouring the past while celebrating the present into the future.

The morning session will see Jo'el introduce the audience to the different families of taonga puoro with a short talk about each one, interlaced with performances.

Jo'el's talk covers construction techniques and material, whakapapa (genealogical links) as well as tikanga (protocols) connected to traditional performance with taonga puoro. Demonstrations of the various instruments are the highlight of this session and not to be missed.

The afternoon session is a workshop in which participants will make a taonga puoro and learn how to play it with tuition and guidance. Kits are provided by Jo'el and the cost of the kits has generously been sponsored by the Friends of the Whakatāne District Libraries.

To end the workshop, all participants are invited to take part in a group performance using their newly-created taonga puoro. Places are limited for this workshop, so bookings are essential.

Session One - Taonga Puoro Demonstration

• Wednesday July 13
• 10.30am to 12.30pm
• Opus Gallery, Te Kōputu
• Free demonstration for the whole family to enjoy
• No booking required
  

Session Two - Taonga Puoro Creation Workshop

• Wednesday July 13
• 1pm to 3pm
• Little Orchard Activity Room, Te Kōputu
• Make a taonga puoro workshop
• Suitable for children and adults 10 years and over
• Places are limited and booking is essential - email: [email protected]

or phone (07) 306 0509.