The Board have commissioned the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua to carve a Pou for the Te Ahu Center in Kaitaia.
Guided by our kaumatua and kuia, the Ngāti Kuri Trust Board have commissioned the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua to carve a Pou for the Te Ahu Center in Kaitaia. The Te Ahu Trust has been responsible for refreshing the Community Center which will house the Far North District Council Offices, The Library, The Museum, a Cafe, a Community Theatre and serviced office space. In the entrance way will be 7 Pou representing the 7 communities of the far North. The Ngāti Kuri Pou will be one of these. It will also be part of the Waka Maori Celebrations at the Auckland Waterfront. New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts carvers will be finishing the Pou in front of visitors providing a cultural context to the Rugby World Cup event. Ngāti Kuri Kaumatua and Kuia will be going to Rotorua to view the Pou in the following month.
The Trust Board will be in the future looking to commission up to 3 Powhenua for the rohe of Ngati Kuri. The carving of these pouwhenua will involve Ngāti Kuri rangitahi, guided by Tohungawhakaairo. This will allow Ngāti Kuri to build its cultural capital and skill base.