​Tohunga Whakairo Mike Matchitt is coming to Motairehe Marae to share with our rangitahi the knowledge and skills of raaukau. 
Mike will be guiding the tamariki through the following programme:

• Looking at the techniques and skills required to transmit Māori concepts and kōrero (narratives) through carving and to create different Taonga Māori (treasures).
• Exploring materials used in traditional carving as well as practice in drawing and painting.
• Design and manufacture a tā whakairo (carving mallet).
• Discussing waka functions, spirituality, design and manufacture.
• Learning historical and spiritual significance of Taonga and manufacture including Taonga Pūoro (Māori instruments).
• Learning the historical and spiritual significance of customary practices used by Tūpuna (ancestors).
• Look at the functions and manufacture of Whare.
• How to select he rakau (tree/wood) and the appropriate ceremonies to accompany this selection.

Mike also has lots of resources and information on his website https://www.facebook.com/mhariki6473 and You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzDZZ87Hqwc with this one about foundation drawing, especially good for tamariki and those starting out.