Tāraia he Waharoa ki te Pāwhakawairua a Tū - Carving a gateway to the tactical home of Tū

Tāraia he waharoa ki te pāwhakawairua a Tū (the project) was a small evaluation undertaken with soldiers carving the waharoa at Burnham Military Camp with Caine Tauwhare in 2024.  

The evaluation had three main objectives. First, to understand how soldiers in Ngāti Tūmatauenga managed their time for carving, given their primary duty as soldiers. Second, it sought to identity the motivations behind their engagement in carving and the outcomes of that involvement. Lastly, the evaluation aimed to support the establishment of a pilot (research based) wānanga for teaching whakairo and raranga at Burnham in 2025. 

Eight serving soldiers, and one veteran, participated in the evaluation.

The evaluation demonstrated the profound impact of carving the waharoa at Burnham Army Camp, on soldiers' cultural identity, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. Key findings highlighted that engaging in mahi whakairo (carving) enhanced participants’ connection to te ao Māori.

The process of carving served as a therapeutic outlet, enabling soldiers to express themselves creatively and alleviate stress, often in a supportive, stigma-free environment. Participants reported a deeper understanding of Māori history and practices, including the significance of karakia (prayers) and whakapapa (genealogy), and felt a sense of pride and purpose in their work. The presence of an empathetic instructor contributed to a trusting and effective learning atmosphere.

Furthermore, the evaluation suggests that incorporating consistent cultural practices within the New Zealand Defence Force could enhance soldiers' connections to their Māori identity.

 Read the full report: