The carving course began as a vision by Hillcrest Normal School’s leadership team and kaimahi at Māori services provider Te Kōhao Health.
Experienced and skilful carvers, led by Master Carver Matua Rei Mihaere, use carving for ākonga to explore whakapapa, whanaungatanga and create a sense of belonging and identity.
Rei Mihaere and principal of Hillcrest Normal School Marie Bramley, saw the power of the programme and encouraged many of the schools in the Hillcrest Kāhui Ako to be involved.
Currently, the programme involves Hillcrest Normal School, Tamahere Model Country School, Hamilton East School, Knighton Normal School, Matangi School and Peachgrove Intermediate School with both Hillcrest High School and Silverdale Normal School joining this term.
“The idea behind this kaupapa was to connect our young, primary, intermediate and high school students with their culture, to connect them with who they are, and where they come from,” Lady Tureiti Moxon, managing director of Te Kōhao Health, says.
“The highlight for me is seeing the transformation of the tamariki who have been given the opportunity to carve their stories into taonga and then present it to their significant people or person in their lives like their mum, dad, grandparent, or uncle.”
Hillcrest Normal School Kaiako Ngaia Mason has seen for herself the magical transformative impact of Tipu Ake on ākonga Māori, who become completely engaged in the kaupapa.
She says students’ attendance and engagement have improved and their participation has led to improved academic achievement.
“Working alongside Matua Rei, these students build their mana while developing essential social skills like resilience, perseverance, and respect,” she says.
“Through exposure to traditional carving, karakia, waiata, manaakitanga, and whakapapa, the program fosters a strong sense of belonging and success for these tamariki.”
Deputy principal Andy Peart has seen ākonga Māori walking with their heads high knowing their culture, experiences and expertise are valued.
As one student says, “I feel free to just be me now in all of school”.
Peart envisions a future where this generation of carvers passes their skills down to the next.
“Some of our ākonga are not only involved but becoming the tutors themselves, deeply engaged and connected to te ao Māori, and guiding others on their journey as well,” he says.
A record 45 students graduated from the course this week.
Tipu Ake was resourced between Te Kōhao Health, the Ministry of Education and the schools involved.
