0:49:05 Thursday 23 October 2025

Māori arts programme aims to raise $6000

Tamariki aged 9-12 at Waiaua Marae explore traditional Māori art and its significance under the guidance of Māori Toi Akoranga tutors Noel Rakuraku and Chris Te Kiri. Photo / Supplied

A Māori arts programme is empowering tamariki to learn about their culture, express themselves and build resilience.

Māori Toi Akoranga is a school-based programme in Ōpōtiki nurturing tamariki through transitional toi Māori practices, said programme co-ordinator Anthony-Quinn Cowley.

The programme will spread around the country once it has formed solid roots in Ōpōtiki and increased awareness.

Māori Toi Akoranga aims to build on the New Zealand Children’s Art House Foundation with a focus on connecting with tikanga Māori.

“The ultimate goal is to see our tamariki flourishing,” said Cowley.

He said the aim is to make tamariki feel connected to their culture and form a sense of belonging.

Tamariki from Whaea Maora's class aged 10-12 learn about tukutuku designs while using the paint on canvas technique at Ōmarumutu marae. Photo / Supplied
Tamariki from Whaea Maora's class aged 10-12 learn about tukutuku designs while using the paint on canvas technique at Ōmarumutu marae. Photo / Supplied

The team includes experienced kaiako (teachers) Noel Tutika Rakuraku and Christopher Te Kiri, who volunteer their time by providing classes to tamariki aged 5 to 12 in whakairo (carving), raranga (weaving), waiata (singing) and taonga pūoro (musical instruments).

“Together, we bring deep knowledge of te ao Māori, creative arts, and child development – ensuring that every tamariki who participates in our programmes feels valued, heard and empowered to grow strong in their identity.”

As a fairly new organisation, Cowley said it has been struggling with funding, which is why he signed up to the E Tū Toi 2025 Project, where artists have one month, starting from July 1, to raise pūtea (funds) from the community.

Cowley aims to raise $6000 to cover the costs of materials, pay the tutors for their time, venue hire and promotion.

Tamariki from two classrooms at Ōmarumutu Kura, led by Whaea Maora and Whaea Bonnie, learn the basics and meanings of kōwhaiwhai patterns at Waiaua Marae. Photo / Supplied
Tamariki from two classrooms at Ōmarumutu Kura, led by Whaea Maora and Whaea Bonnie, learn the basics and meanings of kōwhaiwhai patterns at Waiaua Marae. Photo / Supplied

“This isn’t just funding – it’s an investment in our tamariki’s wellbeing, identity and future.

“Every donation helps build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging,” he said.

“Together, we can light the spark of creativity and cultural pride that will guide them for a lifetime.”

Cowley said children’s faces brighten up when the tutors come in to start a class. “They are excited. They are ready to learn.

“We’ve had parents call out to us and say, ‘Hey, how do we get our kids into your programme?’”

Cowley said research showed that participation in ngā toi Māori boosts children’s wellbeing, strengthens their cultural identity and enhances school engagement.

Tutor Noel Rakuraku teaches children a basic kōwhaiwhai pattern at Waiaua. Photo / Supplied
Tutor Noel Rakuraku teaches children a basic kōwhaiwhai pattern at Waiaua. Photo / Supplied

“Tamariki who connect with their culture through creative arts experience better mental health, stronger relationships and a greater sense of belonging – setting them up for success in all areas of life.”

He said financial support to continue this programme would create a ripple effect, uplifting individual tamariki, along with their whānau and the wider community.

“Every workshop, every waiata and every weave is a step towards a brighter, more connected future for our children.”

To donate to the programme and ensure it gets the funding needed before the end of the month, visit www.thearts.co.nz/boosted/projects/maori-toi-akoranga.

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