Ma te huruhuru, ka rere te manu
With feathers the bird will fly.
Contemporary Maori Art developments connect us to a cultural heritage that expresses concepts of who we are as a people.
NorthTec’s Maori Arts programme encourages an appreciation of patterns and designs, concepts and practices with an emphasis to local iwi narratives. Students have the opportunity to study carving, weaving, visual arts, clay, kapahaka, waiata and Maori art theory and practice.
Our Maori Arts programmes will teach you customary practices using natural materials and resources and provide a learning environment that is steeped in tikanga and the narratives and reo of Ngäpuhi-nuitonu.
The tutors are practising artists with Ngāpuhi connections. They teach both the theory and practical skills necessary to aid students in the mastery of the techniques and materials. Students are able to mix with the visual arts programmes to share ideas and inspiration. Regular exhibitions allow opportunities to display artwork with fellow students, tutors and the community.
Certificate in Whākairo (Visual Arts)
This certificate offers a hands-on practical art introduction designed to give an understanding of Ākonga. Students will learn waiata, painting and carving.
Certificate in Applied Arts – Maori Art and Design
This course focuses on contemporary Maori visual culture, Ngāphui-nui-tonu, with an emphasis on developing practical skills in Whākairo design, painting, printmaking, clay, drawing and design and research.
Te Pōkaitahi Ngāpuhi-Nui-Tonu Te Raranga
This course will cover the making and theory of pärö, kete waikawa, whiri, muka extraction, kete whiri, tamata and whitiki whiri. Students will use traditional gathering, storage and preparation methods.
Te Pōkairua Ngāpuhi-Nui-Tonu Te Raranga
Students will be exposed to customary dyeing processes, tikanga and customary practices in raranga. Students will also learn how to make tukutuku, tapapa, korowai with a focus on practical learning and imparting knowledge