The British Council New Zealand and the Pacific is proud to support Te Tūmahanatanga Tawhiti, a unique learning programme in London that honours the UK-based Māori ancestral meeting house, Hinemihi o te Ao Tawhito. Supported through our Connections Through Culture grant programme, this collaborative project aims to spark dialogue, nurture connections, and celebrate the enduring essence of cultural exchange.
Led by Te Maru o Hinemihi in the UK in partnership with Ngā Kohinga Whakairo o Hinemihi of Aotearoa (NZ), the summer programme features a range of enriching activities, including Wānanga (learning & discussion sessions), Te Reo Māori Language Classes, and a traditional Tukutuku Panel Weaving Workshop.
More details of the programme are below:
7 May – 30 June:
Te Reo Māori (Māori Language) Classes
A series of te reo Māori (Māori language) classes; perfect for beginners and confident speakers alike. Available in person and online.
Monday 13 May:
Māori wharenui (meeting houses) workshop Part 1 - Cultural Foundations: Understanding the Whare's Significance.
A wānanga (workshop) to learn about what a whare is.
Tuesday 14 May:
Māori wharenui (meeting houses) workshop Part 2 - Journey into the Whare: Exploring Modern Whare Concepts.
A wānanga (workshop) to learn about the modern day usages and practices relating to whare
Saturday 25 May:
Māori wharenui (meeting houses) workshop Parts 3 to 6 - Wānanga Day. A wānanga (workshops) on the design and usage of the proposed meeting house at Clandon Park, Surrey, including an update on the Hinemihi Exchange Project.
Sunday 26 May:
Discover the Māori Art of Tukutuku: A Workshop with Master Weavers Jim and Cathy Schuster.
A wānanga (workshop) to learn about the harvesting and preparation of natural materials and modern alternatives, traditional rituals involved with creating tukutuku, and the place of tukutuku in the wharenui (meeting house), Working in pairs, and gain hands-on experience in tukutuku panel weaving, creating individual panels that will be later combined to create a complete 12 panel wall hanging.
Wednesday 29 May:
Whetū Mārama - Bright Star: Film Screening + Director Q&A with Toby Mills.
A special screening of Whetū Mārama - Bright Star followed by a Q&A session with co-Director Toby Mills
For more information please visit: Te Tūmahanatanga Tawhiti - Summer Programme | Eventbrite
Further Reading:
Crossing Points: UK-Australia-New Zealand-Pacific | British Council
Anthony Hoete - Hinemihi: How a Grass Hut is Transforming Global Heritage | British Council
Hinemihi’s future | Clandon Park | National Trust