July 24, 2014
Kauri carving a public spectacle
Carvers from the six iwi groupings of Tamaki Makaurau will this weekend make a start on turning a 600 year old kauri tree from the Waitakere Ranges into a four and half metre door lintel for the foyer of the new Auckland Council Building on Albert Street.
Coordinator Rewi Spraggon says the Sacred Chisels of Tamaki Makaurau project is being held at Silo Park called as part of Matariki celebrations.
The lintel should be finished by late August, along with six stone carvings representing the different iwi groups.
Mr Spraggon says there are currently few opportunities for tohunga whakairo to showcase their craft, and it’s a rare opportunity for the public to see them in action.
Silo Park will also be the place to be this weekend for the final weekend of Matariki on the Waterfront featuring a range of sound and light artists, markets, performances, and workshops detailing New Zealand Maori practices and stories.
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