Mana of the Pacific

Get involved with a variety of Pacific Island Workshops and learn about Tipare, Ta moko, Weaving, Vaka (Canoe carving) and Pare Ei (flower garland).

Weaving Workshop:
The art of weaving has been passed down from generation to generation. Every bend and weave, like the Pacific Ocean, tying all the nations of the South Pacific together. The art of weaving is an integral element to life in the pacific and is at the heart of every family and village. 

Vaka (canoe) Workshop:
The Niuean vaka (canoe) stands as an integral part to Niuean culture as this represents the connection between Niuean people, the land and the sea. Vaka building is significant as it is a rich part of Niuean culture that has not been lost like most Niuean traditions. Vaka from Niue have a torpedo shaped hull, outrigger float, outrigger booms and small sticks that are attached to the booms to hold the floats in place.

Pare Ei Workshop:
An ‘ei katu or pare ‘ei is a garland of flowers worn around the head that is traditional to the Cook Island, Tahitian and Hawaiian cultures. The word ‘ei in Cook Island Maori translates to something that you create to be worn around your head, neck or hips using shells, flowers or leaves. ‘Katu’ in Cook Island Maori means head, skull or scalp. The pare ‘ei is traditionally adorned for celebrations and special events. 

Maori Workshops:
Tipare - The Tipare is a traditional woven headpiece which is predominantly made of softened flax, but can also be made of other strong fibre materials. We commonly see the Tipare used as performance wear among Kapa Haka Roopu (groups). 

Ta moko - The Tā moko is a traditional practice that introduces uniquely designed elements tattooed into human flesh, that piece together a visual language. The Tā moko signifies an individual’s narrative of whanau (family) and hapu (clan), the left side representing the father’s history and the right side the mother’s history. The Tā moko is worn by both men and women and is considered a huge honour to carry the stories of our ancestors.”