Tēnā koutou katoa, 

Thank you for committing to the 2023 Whakairo National Hui, the first national gathering of Māori carvers in over 20 years. During that time, the landscape for whakairo and the work of tohunga whakairo has changed, and this hui will review our current position and consider future directions.

This hui was initiated and developed by Te Rūnanga Whakairo, an assembly of experienced and well-connected Māori carvers who come together with the support of Toi Māori Aotearoa to share knowledge, strategise, and coordinate activities for the benefit of our art form and te iwi Māori.

For us, whakawhanaungatanga has been at the forefront of our planning for a national hui, and we’re grateful to have received a strong response from a such a diverse group of carvers.

We have devised a programme to stimulate engaged, provocative and lively engagement. We strongly encourage you to be active participants—don’t be shy, speak up, ask questions, share ideas and take that opportunity to introduce yourself to others.

While this hui is intended to raise plenty of thoughts and ideas, building stronger relationships among ourselves will be a key measure of success for Te Rūnanga Whakairo.

Ngā mihi ki a koutou,

Rangi Kipa

Chair, Te Rūnanga Whakairo