Rākau Whenua

Totara is versatile and resilient... 

The texture, softness & durability of Totara allows the chisel to glide & gauge with precision enabling all aspects of visual language to be told. 

Kauri was the least sourced rākau for Māori, however during the arrival of Pakeha - Kauri became the most prized native species for aesthetics. 

Characteristics of Kauri are elegant, classy and simplistic there aren’t many defects or impurities in Kauri which lead to grand results. 

Rimu, bring a distinct sense of peace different from the other rākau. 

People might find the majority of seasoned Kai Whakairo, self isolate or rarely talk. 

The power and humility Rimu reveal in the acoustics from the mallet is a nice reminder why.  

Maire speaks for itself... 

Maire is full of surprises which come in many different forms to experience. Kai Whakairo should be cautious and open to possibility, when entering a project with Maire. There is energy in areas of Maire you least expect. 

The curiosity of Mataī makes this rākau wise and elaborate. 

Convalescence overtime grants Mataī to deliver ornate sounds of the elements. 

In my view Kahikatea & Tānekaha are an integral strength to the rākau family in terms of frontier. 

Kai Whakairo rarely source Kahikatea or Tānekaha the role of these negotiating rākau are dominant to conceal land and protect the environments growth. 

Manuka is intergenerational, regarded the protector in terms of strength and survival for many reasons. 

Settlers dubbed Manuka as scrub until it was realised money could be made from it. 

Manuka organically play the role of Whakapākōkō. 

Both Manuka & Kanuka are on the soft end in the hardwood family of Whakairo which makes it uniquely pliable. 

Ive always told parents to plant Manuka when baby is born...

The pito grows between 15 - 20 years then undergoes incapacitation. That transformation signals Kai Whakairo to begin moulding rākau pakana. The Manuka is shaped to celebrate that child into adulthood. In time the regrowth will form for the Mokopuna. 

Rata is the Mokopuna of Tāwhaki in every sense of behaviour... 

Rata is the boss, driving and populating the eco system forward. If other rākau are unprepared Rata will take lead and deliver. 

The key to understanding Rata is patience and attention to detail. 

If I was to describe Kowhai in one word I’d say ‘glamorous’ however bells and whistles can only go so far. 

Tūhoe don't really relate to the alluring showcase of Kowhai. 

Tūhoe living at home are introverted and reserved due to the surrounding landscape. 

The rule of thumb living in Tūhoe is either

'you can or you can't'  this usually comes with collective intergenerational experience or evolutionary life practise.

Kowhai are momentous, savvy, attract pests and stand alone.