New Intake of Māori Artists Continues Century-Old Legacy at Te Puia

A new generation of Māori artists has officially begun intensive training at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI), upholding a legacy that spans nearly a century. On Wednesday, 29 July 2026, twelve tauira from across Aotearoa were welcomed during a pōhiri at Rotowhio Marae, located at Te Puia in Rotorua. The new intake will specialise in traditional art forms including whakairo rākau (wood carving), stone and bone carving, and raranga (weaving). The Institute’s annual intake is limited to just four students per school to ensure intensive mentorship from tohunga. This model allows for the precise transmission of mātauranga Māori and tribal knowledge. Among the new students is Mercia-Dawn Wharerau (Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Pikiao), who is entering the National Weaving School. Her enrollment continues a deep family connection to the institution; she is the granddaughter of the late Emily Schuster QSM, the school’s inaugural head tutor. During the welcome, Charlie Rahiri, Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ranginui, described the arrival of new students as a homecoming. He noted the significant history of uri from Tauranga Moana who have trained at the Institute before returning to their home regions to strengthen the cultural capacity of their own iwi and communities. Established through legislation championed by Tā Apirana Ngata in 1926, the Institute now operates three nationally recognised schools: Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau o Aotearoa, Te Takapū o Rotowhio, and Te Rito o Rotowhio. As the organisation nears its centenary, it continues to adapt under a governance model established by the 2020 Vesting Act, which transferred stewardship to mana whenua. While the Institute relies on partnerships and the NZMACI Foundation for funding, its mission remains focused on ensuring the survival of Māori artistic traditions for future generations.