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Education Programmes

We have developed a range of classes, workshops and programmes or can custom-make a programme specifically for your needs - using the most modern technologies or the most ancient.  This section is about education programmes rather than cultural tourism experiences, which you can learn more about in the 'Tours & Workshops' section of our website.  We also offer one on one tuition in Maori art and sculpture and off-site facilitation.

An experienced and gifted teacher

Wiremu is a naturally gifted teacher and facilitator who uses art and his specialist knowledge of Maori material culture to explore a diverse range of subjects and outcomes.  Our clients include the Ministry of Justice, local schools, iwi and alternative education programmes.

Knowledge is Power

We are passionate about empowering people through knowledge and self-worth.  Only by knowing who we are and where we come from can we then begin to discover why we are here.  This consciousness gives us the goals and drive we need to truly live a life of purpose and meaning.
On a lighter note, our classes are also fun, fascinating and delivered with humour! 

Experience is the Best Teacher

The hands-on nature of art-based workshops means participants often have a taonga or momento of their hard work to take home - something with which to remember the practical and deeper lessons they have learnt.  As with most things, experience is often the best teacher – we find that the experience of using and seeing traditional tools in action has a much greater impact and gives people a much better understanding of a culture or practice than just reading or hearing about it.

Unique, Customised Programmes and Maori Art Classes

A unique aspect of our programmes lies in showing the intelligence and forethought of our Maori ancestors through the technology of pre-European tools such as stone adze, drills and chisels as well as rope fibre and netting technology. We can custom-design a programme for your group, class or conference – the workshop resources are endless and can range from wooden sculpture to painted murals, graffiti art to weaving.

Wide Range of Programmes

As well as tutoring Maori Material Culture at Auckland University for 5 years, Wiremu has also developed and run a range of classes and education programmes working with all age groups including:-

  • At Risk Youth
  • At Risk Adolescents
  • Adult Rehabilitation / Dependency Problems
  • Cultural Consultation
  • Corporates / Conference groups
  • After School Programmes

Subjects we have covered are as diverse as:-

  • What does it mean to be a man?
  • Working together despite our differences
  • Accepting criticism without getting angry
  • Maori customs and protocols 
  • or just plain having fun

Legitimate Graphic Design Anti-Vandalism Programme

We are also running a 3 year programme with the Ministry of Justice called ‘Legitimate’ which focuses on positive measures with the aim of addressing tagging and vandalism by teaching graphic design, air-powered painting technology and business skills to youth with creative talent and discipline. 

What Can Maori Material Culture Teach Maori and Non-Maori?

By showing the intelligence and forethought of our Maori ancestors through the tools they used, the resources they built and how they lived in harmony with the earth we have found that we can teach some valuable lessons to both Maori and Non-Maori.

The inherent intelligence of our ancestors

Maori are empowered and often feel a great sense of self-pride when they realise how inherently intelligent their ancestors were - and that they too possess this inherent intelligence.  Many people on our programmes have experienced life-changing moments when they reconnect with this ancestry.  Seeing someone’s face when they pick up and use a pounamu toki for the first time leaves you in no doubt that these tools and knowledge are a part of them.

Since opening Waka Huia Treasure Trove & Studio we have been able to give many traditional tool demonstrations to non-Maori New Zealanders and so many of them have commented that they have learnt more about Maori culture in that short time (sometimes only 15 minutes) than they have learnt in the 30 / 40 / 50 years of living in New Zealand. 

Sustainability and Maori Culture

Non-Maori can also feel a deep sense of understanding, respect and greater connection to the earth when they get to learn, through, for example, hands-on experiences with stone tools and roping techniques, how pre-European Maori lived in harmony with nature and kept a balance of give and take which maintained the natural order.  

Indigenous cultures have ancient knowledge about sustainability and living in an environmentally conscious way that can have huge benefits for our planet.  It is our hope, even if only in a small way, that we can increase awareness of this respectful way of living.

Facilitator and Speaker - Manu Korero Winner

Some people are naturally gifted with being able to engage, inspire and really make a difference to the people they meet – Wiremu is one of those people. At the age of 14, Wiremu won the National Seniors Manu Korero Speech Competition - the most prestigious schools speech competition in New Zealand.  Please see our testimonials for other comments about our programmes.