Tā Moko Wānanga

Tā Moko is the ancient Māori system of skin adornment. An adornment that confirms the bearer to their tribal origins, to genealogical ties that stretch back even unto the primal point of creation. The moko reveals the bearers place within the tribe, birthright, status, rank; a rise to prominence or a fall from grace, marriage, lineage and much more.

Though much of the inner knowledge of the ancient Māori system of skin adornment is no longer with us the passion for Tā Moko has survived. It survived amongst those last kuia who became the ensigns of tribal pride. It survived hidden beneath garments, and, as symbols of protest and unrest upon many a hand and face.

Presently, we are witnesses to a great renaissance of this art. The past and present are commingled within the dark ink that permanently ornaments the skin of growing number of this generation.

“You may lose your most valued property through misfortune in various ways. You may lose your house, your patu pounamu, your wife and other treasures. You may be robbed of all your most prized possessions. But of your moko you cannot be deprived, except by death. It will be your ornament and your companion until your last day.”

(Netana Whakaari of Te Waimana-Kākū, Tuhoe, 1921)

Tā Moko Wānanga Outline

Te Ao Tawhito (The old world)

• Introduction to Māori Cosmogony
• The origins of the art of Tā Moko and its founding ancestors
• Tā Moko and early Māori hierarchical society.
• Early to late Tā Moko styles
• Tools, techniques and ink
• Accounts of Tā Moko operations
• Fields of Design
• Moko
• Traditions and customs

Te Ao Hurihuri (The world in turmoil)

• The clash of cultures
• The decline in Tā Moko
• Protest in Ink (Gang and youth skin art)

Te Ao Hou (The new world)

• Contemporary Tā Moko and Kiri Tuhi
• A first hand account of Tā Moko (Senior Tutors personal account)

Note: All delivery of 1-day workshop material will be done in the English language. All nationalities are welcome to participate.

The Tā Moko wānanga will also have the added bonus of having on site a talented and experienced Tā Moko practitioner Mitchell Hughes (see tutor profiles). Tā Moko adornments are an additional personal cost.

Shane Te Ruki
(Ngāti Maniapoto,
Ngāti Porou)

Mau Rākau Wānanga

Mangumangutaepō

Ko tōu manawa tū, ko tāku manawa toa.
Kia homai tōu manawa mōku.
Kia whoatu tāku manawa mōu.
Whiti ora! Maranga mai ki runga!

Translation:

The Hidden Warrior

Your gleaning heart, my brave heart.
You give me your heart to face danger, fear, self-possession, confidence and bravery.
I give you my kind and cruel heart.
Cross over to life of worth and dignity! Rise up above to be a benefactor, with honor and integrity!

This specific Māori martial art “Mangumangutaepō” is a unique tribal technique inherent of its own distinctive training methods and favoured system of attack and defence. It is being taught for the first time outside of the tribal boundaries and family who have kept it safely since the 1800’s when it was last used in battle.

This specifically designed wānanga (learning seminar) is an introduction to the basics of this unique technique and aims to enhance through a series of interconnected drills both the mental and physical ability of the participant. This system of drills and exercises will enable participants to acquire a fundamentally essential skill base to further their learning both mentally, physically and spiritually.

Mau Rākau Wānanga Outline

1. Ari Ari ngao (Rhythm/Motion)
Introduction to a system of rhythm and movement

2. Mahi Waewae (Footwork)
Focusing on footwork and leg movements.

3. Mahi Whakakoi (hand-eye coordination exercises)
Movements using the Ti rākau (short stick) & Taura (rope)

4. Mahi Whakakoi (hand-eye coordination exercises)
Coordination exercises and games using rākau (fighting staff).

5. Mahi Ahei (On Guard, defence and strike movements)
On guard, defence and strike movements as well as further demonstrations of knowledge by the senior tutor.

Note: All delivery of 1-day workshop material will be done in the English language. All nationalities are welcome to participate.

It is expected that all participants are committing themselves for the 1-day, therefore, once the wananga has commenced no one will be permitted to leave (unless unforseen circumstances arise) until the wananga is complete.
Bring:

1. Comfortable, warm, casual and appropriate training clothing (tracksuit gear, training shoes, raincoat (if necessary) shorts and singlet, t-shirt, towel, water bottle, etc).
2. Own stick or taiaha (broomstick or stick of your choice, though must be suited to your height).

In order that you might learn easily and joyfully, we would strongly recommend that have or can acquire some degree of fitness.

Niketi Toataua
(Ngāti Maniapoto)