Reefton Area School
Region: Nelson / Marlborough
Art form: Ngā toi Māori / Whakairo
Project name: Te Wheke
Project information: Te Wheke, the project, is to carve eight pou. The pou will represent the eight corners of the Pacific. The creation of these eight pou will celebrate the stories of the great Polynesian explorers of the Pacific; and explore the shared whakapapa of the Pacific and Māori ākonga. It will be a model of inclusiveness for all Pacific/Māori whānau. The cohort of students will create an art form that collectively explores their culture and heritage. Being involved in this project aims to strengthen the engagement of at-risk students in an authentic learning opportunity.
Students will be able to engage in high level carving and design skills, gain an understanding of their whakapapa, mana ake, and whanaungatanga. Central to the development is the exploration of symbols and emblems important to family, whānau, hapū and iwi. Strong liaison will occur with families throughout the learning project to ensure there is authenticity in the chosen symbols and emblems and the identity they represent.
Project starting: February 2021
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