Te Puia graduate Taj joined Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari this summer, creating stunning whakairo that honour relationships between mana whenua and iwi across Aotearoa. His distinctive Raukawa style brings cultural connection and unique stories.
Over the summer, the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari whānau were joined by a very talented carver, Taj, who brought his amazing skills and creative energy to an important project unfolding here on the maunga.
"Tainui te Waka
Waikato te Awa
Tautari te Maunga
Raukawa te iwi
Tihei Mauriora"
Taj has recently graduated from the Te Puia Arts and Crafts Institute, where he completed a three‑year scholarship in traditional styles, tools, and technologies.
Taj is from Raukawa iwi where he has participated in many tribal events of Poukai and Koroneihana. Taj desires to become the best in his form of carving. You will notice that his style of carving has a distinctiveness that is a Taj and Raukawa, Waikato style.
Thank you Taj for your contribution to the Maunga. How good are these whakairo of hihi, pōpokotea and pītoitoi? Which is your favourite?
And a huge thank you to the Waipā Creative Communities Scheme for enabling this mahi to happen!
