Tipu Ake Carving Program

Nine of our Yr 9 students are currently taking part in the Tipu Ake program being run by Te Kōhao Health.

Tipu Ake is a project that began in 2022, led by Hillcrest Normal School and Te Kōhao Health. Six students graduated from last year’s programme. This year, there were 45 students from six schools.

Each student spent every Thursday learning to carve their very own patu (club) under mast carver Matua Rei Miharae, the previous carver for Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.

Each patu made by the students is a visual representation of their individual pepeha. The students carved representations of their awa, their iwi, their maunga, and their waka.

Managing Director of Te Kōhao Health Lady Tureiti Moxon said “I think the more positive experiences that we can offer and give to these young people, the more they will flourish and take hold of seeing education as a very important part of their life. Because that’s what this has been, a journey of education.”

Check out some pictures below: