We like to welcome Jerome Kavanagh to the Haumanu Collective. Through the teachings of his Kuia and whanau he was first introduced to a koauau at 14 years old and developed his own unique playing style by spending time in the Ruahine ranges listening and mimicing native bird calls with his voice
In January 2026, taonga pūoro returned to the whenua of Mōtītī in a powerful wānanga focused on rongoā Māori and sound healing. Across three days, practitioners, whānau, and kaiako gathered to awaken the land with orooro, harvest kawakawa, shape uku, and share deep kōrero on mātauranga Māori. A gifted pūtātara now remains on the island — a lasting symbol of reconnection, ceremony, and sound.
“Ko Tapuika te whenua, ko Tapuika te tangata, ko Tapuika te iwi.”
With these words, artist and carver Jo’el Komene grounds us in the heart of Te Takapū o Tapuika – the belly of Tapuika, honouring the land, the people, and the whakapapa that shape identity and purpose.
Held at Kirikiriroa Marae, this international taonga pūoro symposium brought together Indigenous artists and knowledge holders from Aotearoa, Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, Alaska, China, and beyond. Across five days of workshops, kōrero, crafting, and performance, we explored the living breath of our instruments and the deep relationships they carry. This was more than a wānanga — it was a movement.
Dr Awhina Tamarapa leads a bold conversation on taonga, whakapapa, and Indigenous resurgence in museum spaces.
A beautiful night of reo, waiata, and connection as Horomona and Libby stood proudly for our kaupapa at the 18th Waiata Māori Music Awards.
He Taonga Pūoro ki te Ao Whānui – E Whakanui Ana i a Mahina Ina Kingi-Kaui i te World Stage Design 2025
For over two decades, Brendon Moses has walked a path of music, culture, and innovation. Beginning with a Diploma in Music at Whitireia, Porirua in the 1990s, he established himself as a working musician in covers bands and recording studios.
Youtube Linkedin Taonga Pūoro Practitioner | General Manager, Haumanu Collective Eli Maiava is a passionate taonga pūoro practitioner, dedicated to the healing, artistic, and cultural power of ngā taonga pūoro. Her practice spans cultural celebrations, community education, rongoā Māori, and wellbeing spaces, where she uses… Read More »Eli Maiava
Haumanu Collective is delighted to welcome Eli Maiava (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Poutini Kāi Tahu) as our new General Manager. A passionate taonga pūoro practitioner and proven community leader, Eli brings deep whakapapa connections and a vision for cultural revitalisation. She joins us to help strengthen governance, champion advocacy, and nurture pathways for rangatahi—ensuring taonga pūoro continues to thrive for generations to come.
We are thrilled to celebrate a major achievement for Hineraukatauri me Te Ara Pūoro by Elizabeth Gray, which has recently been recognised at the 2025 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. This beautifully crafted book, written in te reo Māori, has captured the hearts of young readers and judges alike.
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