New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute

New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute National schools of Stone & Bone Carving, Wood Carving and Weaving 📍 Te Puia, Rotorua l New Zealand

Young Māori from across Aotearoa New Zealand apply for scholarships to attend NZMACI, and study traditional material culture in the forms of whakairo and raranga. Since 1967, we have taught these traditional styles and methods, with graduates of the 3-year tertiary course returning home with the skills and knowledge required to support the aspirations of their whānau, hapu and Iwi.

Congratulations to former tauira Riki Manuel, appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2026 King's...
03/06/2026

Congratulations to former tauira Riki Manuel, appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

A member of our 8th intake, Riki graduated in 1977 under master carver Hone Te Kauru Taiapa. Over five decades, he has dedicated his life to whakairo and tā moko, shaping the development and visibility of Toi Māori both in Aotearoa and internationally.

As Riki shared: "I graduated from the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and have been making a living through my art ever since. I'm grateful for the teachings I received and the foundation they gave me."

A proud moment for us as we get to celebrate one of our own.

Our Third-year tauira are currently working through their last kōwae ako before graduation.Our tauira are focusing on Ta...
14/05/2026

Our Third-year tauira are currently working through their last kōwae ako before graduation.

Our tauira are focusing on Taiaha and Toki Poutangata. Both Akiira Huata & Manawaru Rangihau are working on taiaha, a traditional Māori weapon used in close quarter combat, requiring precision, discipline, and strong knowledge of movement and timing.

Alongside this, our tauira Sonny Ngaheu are also carving Toki Poutangata, ceremonial adzes inspired by the traditional toki used in whakairo but, created for symbolic and ceremonial purposes.

Our First-year tauira are making steady progress through their kōwae ako for māhē.Māhē are stone sinkers used to weigh d...
17/04/2026

Our First-year tauira are making steady progress through their kōwae ako for māhē.
Māhē are stone sinkers used to weigh down fishing lines and nets, and while the concept is simple, each tauira brings their own flair to the mahi. Tribal-styled carving techniques, regional influences, and personal art forms are coming through, making every māhē unique despite sharing the same core function. 🪝

Kete whakairo are woven flax bags of a finer quality than the general utilitarian kete. They are normally made from prep...
20/01/2026

Kete whakairo are woven flax bags of a finer quality than the general utilitarian kete. They are normally made from prepared strips of harakeke and/or kiekie, some of which have been dyed, and may feature geometric designs.

A weaver’s personality and character are reflected in their mahi. Some are drawn to brighter, bolder colours and striking designs, while others prefer subtle tones and patterns that feel more aligned with who they are. A finished kete does not simply showcase skill and artistic knowledge, it is an extension of the weaver themselves, with a part of them woven into every piece.

These Kete Whakairo were woven by our Tauira Angela Farrar, Kimberley Todd, Lea Wirihana and Stevie Katipa-Nepia.

Purchase now online or in-store at Te Puia - Rotorua, NZ home of the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute

19/12/2025

We proudly acknowledge New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Tohunga Whakairo Rākau Clive Fugill CNZM (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Raukawa) — recipient of the Ngā Tohu Hautūtanga Auaha Toi – Making a Difference Award 2025 as part of the Te Waka Toi Awards, the longest-standing national celebration of excellence across ngā toi Māori.

As one of One of Aotearoa’s most esteemed master carvers and cultural leaders, Clive was part of the inaugural 1967 intake at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI). His journey reflects the vision of the Institute — from tauira to tohunga Whakairo Rākau of Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau o Aotearoa (The National Wood Carving School).

For nearly six decades, Clive has dedicated his life to the revitalisation and protection of whakairo Māori. From carving with a pocketknife in a woodshed to becoming Tohunga Whakairo of the National Wood Carving School at Te Puia, his influence has shaped generations of ringatoi and safeguarded mātauranga Māori for the future.

Guided by the kaupapa of hoki ki te kāinga, Clive was presented his award here at Te Puia honouring where his mahi truly lives and breathes.

Become a tauira (student) at NZMACI, where we welcome creative minds from every corner of Aotearoa. Under the guidance ...
12/12/2025

Become a tauira (student) at NZMACI, where we welcome creative minds from every corner of Aotearoa.

Under the guidance of our tohunga (master artists), you’ll learn the revered traditional arts of whakairo rākau (wood carving), whakairo pounamu, kōhatu me te parāoa (stone and bone carving), and raranga me te whatu (weaving).

Spaces are limited. Expression of Interests are open for the 2026 intake. Follow the link below for more information.

https://www.tepuia.com/new-intake/

As a part of their kōwae ako, first and second year tauira have been steadily working on their own tekoteko.This particu...
24/11/2025

As a part of their kōwae ako, first and second year tauira have been steadily working on their own tekoteko.

This particular module promotes collaboration, allowing tauira to work side by side on the same whakairo, sharpening their skills together while contributing to a project that will soon stand proudly here on-site.

Over the next few weeks, they’ll continue shaping, refining and bringing each tekoteko to life. Here’s a look behind the scenes as our tauira move through each stage of the journey.

Our first-year tauira at Te Rito o Rotowhio are nearing the end of their kōwae ako in kete whakairo at the New Zealand M...
14/11/2025

Our first-year tauira at Te Rito o Rotowhio are nearing the end of their kōwae ako in kete whakairo at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute.

Over the course of this 6-week wānanga, each tauira creates six kete, exploring different techniques, patterns, and designs that reflect both individual expression and traditional practice.

As they approach the completion of their final kete, their mahi is proudly displayed together, a collective representation of growth, patience, and the weaving of both skill and identity.

Our 2nd year tauira at Te Takapū o Rotowhio are deep into one of the most significant modules of their journey at the Ne...
07/11/2025

Our 2nd year tauira at Te Takapū o Rotowhio are deep into one of the most significant modules of their journey at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute carving hei tiki.

This 6-week wānanga is the final modules in their programme, and for good reason. Hei tiki are among the most complex forms our tūpuna created in stone and bone carving. Therefore because of the time and resources it took to create, it was amongst the most valuable of family heirlooms.

Out of the thousands of hei tiki ever made, no two are the same, each is unique.
Although modern tools are used today, the methods remain grounded in tradition to ensure an understanding of why and how our ancestors carved informs every stroke, every form, every decision.

We’re so excited to share that Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute won the Tourism Industry Aotearoa -...
30/10/2025

We’re so excited to share that Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute won the Tourism Industry Aotearoa - TIA Air New Zealand Supreme Award at the 2025 Tourism Industry Awards last night at Tākina in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

We also felt privileged to win the NZME Visitor Experience Award and the Sudima Hotel Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business).

Ngā mihi nui to our kaimahi, artists, tauira, manuhiri and community who make Te Puia such a special place — this award is for all of you. We'd also like to thank NZ Māori Tourism for all their support and the Rotorua tourism industry Rotorua NZ - there was an incredible buzz in the room.

Commenting on the award, Te Puia NZMACI Chief Executive Tim Cossar said, “Winning this award fills me with such a huge sense of achievement for our team and our community.

“Our business is one of duality, we are not only a tourism business but also a cultural training institution 100 years young. When we were faced with turning our business around in 2019 we were faced with not only delivering great tourism experiences for Kiwis and international guests, but also great outcomes for our community – they are our backbone, who have had our back and taken us to places we couldn’t go alone.

"Me mihi ki ngā maire tū wao, o Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, o Ngāti Whakaue i tū rangatira rā hei tāwharautanga ki a mātou e tū nei i tōna whakaruruhautanga. Ngā potiriao I kite ai mātou i te pae tawhiti, e mihi kau ana." (We must acknowledge the advocates of Tūhourangi, Ngāti Wāhiao, o Ngāti Whakaue who forged the pathway for us to follow. The trailblazers who allowed us to see the distant horizons, we must extend our endless gratitude.)

Judges praised Te Puia for its bold transformation over the past five years, highlighting its focus on long-term sustainability and moving from a volume business to a high-quality guided visitor experience for both New Zealanders and international visitors alike. They noted the positive impact of this shift on the business, its community, and the wider tourism industry, reshaping Te Puia into a truly iconic experience that will stand the test of time.

Address

20 Hemo Road
Rotorua
3040

Opening Hours

Monday 8:45am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:45am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:45am - 4pm
Thursday 8:45am - 4pm
Friday 8:45am - 4pm
Saturday 8:45am - 3:45pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+6473489047

Website

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