Taonga Puoro Uku

Discover the art of creating taonga puoro through an immersive six-week journey into uku (clay), traditional Māori artistry, and sound.

Designed for both beginners and experienced makers, this course introduces the fundamentals of hand-building, carving, and finishing ceramic taonga puoro while exploring their cultural significance and history.

Throughout the course, you will create a selection of functional
instruments, learning traditional making techniques alongside practical playing methods.

As part of the experience, participants are invited to join a traditional wood-firing, gaining firsthand insight into the transformation of raw earth into finished ceramic taonga and the collaborative process that brings these pieces to life.

No previous experience with clay or carving is required. If you have experience in whakairo
rākau (wood carving), you'll especially enjoy discovering the unique qualities and carving
techniques of uku.

● Six weekly practical workshops (3 hours each)
● All clay, materials, and tools supplied
● Expert tuition from Tristan Marler (Manawa Tapu)
● Instruction in hand-building, carving, finishing, and basic playing techniques
● Invitation to participate in a traditional wood-firing

Course Fee
$1,200 NZD

Weekly Programme

Week 1
Kōauau Pongāihu; Ukutangi
Introduction to uku, hand-building techniques, and forming your first taonga puoro.

Week 2
Kōauau Pongāihu; Ukutangi
Refining, carving, decorating, and learning the fundamentals of playing each instrument.

Week 3
Nguru
Hand-building and shaping a traditional ceramic nguru.

Week 4
Nguru
Carving, finishing, and introductory playing techniques.

Week 5
Pūtōrino
Hand-building and constructing a ceramic pūtōrino.

Week 6
Pūtōrino
Carving, finishing, and learning the unique voice and playing techniques of the pūtōrino.

About Your Tutor
Tristan Marler aka Manawa Tapu is an experienced Māori artist working across whakairo, rākau, uku, taonga puoro, tā moko, painting, and contemporary Māori art.

His teaching combines traditional knowledge, skilled craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the cultural significance of taonga, providing students with both practical skills and meaningful cultural context.

Nau mai, haere mai. Whether you're beginning your creative journey or expanding your existing practice, this course offers a unique opportunity to create your own taonga puoro in a supportive and inspiring environment.