Kereama Hohua

Kereama Hohua, Kai Whakairo speaks with his chisels visualising Rākau whakapapa, key issues, and social change through native wood carving technologies...

Kereama known as ‘Mister’ around the Whārua of Ruatoki studied a bachelor in arts & visual culture, while researching and restoring the Mātaatua Whare repatriated through the neighbouring Ngāti Awa tribe settlement. 

The project was led by anthropologist Sir Hirini Moko Mead & Te Hau o Te Rangi Tutua. Together over twelve years, Hohua with colleague Danny Mc Roberts (Te Whānau ā Apanui) reviewed Mātaatua stylistic form to prepare the house for vital Huihuinga (meetings) imperative to nationwide Ao Māori conversation today.

When the house was complete Kereama went on to etch twenty eight public works land marking sacred sites for Mātaatua Hapū - Iwi (Tribes). 

This last few years I’ve needed down time from thirty years’ experience to document my relationship with Rākau whenua (native wood species), the growth, the formation, and the shaping is key to strengthening mātauranga...   

The idea going forward is for there to be little distinction between us…

During this time i've had to be completely honest with myself, how well have we truly managed to maintain Rākau whenua values in everyday living...