Hau Kainga

Composer/Kai-tito: Ngaronoa Renata Whakapapa: Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa - Kaeo Northland Supporting artist: Finn Manu, Ben Leonard, Temepara Smith, Kamārie Te Arawai, Rafael/a Luna-Pizano. This work is based on what I had learnt about the Toroa - The Royal Albatross over a period of many years. My mother had woven a special tipare with the pattern of Roimata Toroa as the main pattern for me to wear at the 25th Anniversary of Te Arikinui Te Ataairangikahu. This pattern is present on tukutuku panels. Known as the Tears of the Albatross. At that time, I had been initiated into the Maori Spiritual Warrior School and was training in Mau Rakau on Pirongia Maunga. Some years later, I harvested the wing bone from a Toroa to make a Koauau Toroa. This koauau Toroa was ready to tell its story. My composition is to acknowledge my 10 siblings and to give some notion of the journey this extraordinary manu. I chose 11 kupu that embodied the different personalities of Tawhirimātea. This composition was created over a 4 day wananga held at Rangiwaho Marae.