Tena Koutou. I am Chris Huriwai.
Descended from Ngati Porou, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Raukawa, and Ngai Te Rangi, I am a carver dedicated to reviving and preserving the traditional voices of Aotearoa. Based in Tairawhiti, my work bridges the tangible and intangible taonga of our tipuna.
Long before they were viewed as objects of art to be appreciated in museums and galleries, taonga puoro were the living and breathing extensions of our natural environment, used for healing, storytelling, and connecting with atua. Every piece I create is carved with this whakapapa in mind.
Guided by Tradition, Inspired by Oro
Although I was introduced to taonga puoro as a child, I began focussing on the creation of taonga puoro six years ago under the guidance of Sam Palmer. Creating taonga puoro requires a dual discipline, you must engage with the physical grain of the medium as well as the acoustic properties of the instrument.
I do not carve to a generic blueprint. Every taonga is a unique interaction between whao and rakau. I work on the taonga until it finds its correct voice, ensuring that it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also acoustically fit for purpose and rewarding to play.