TUKUTUKU WEAVING WORKSHOPS

Tukutuku are decorative lattice-work panels.  These workshops will start the process of creating tukutuku panels for the interior of Hinemihi similar to those that were in the house before she was dismantled and shipped to Britain.  The workshops provide an opportunity for Hinemihi’s people to learn the art of tukutuku weaving, plus the origins of cultural elements and stories that go with this art form.  The workshops will be open to any interested person in the UK community, whether Maori or non-Maori, but will be subject to a specified number of participants which will be decided closer to the time.  These workshops will provide an excellent opportunity for sharing of skills between the people of Ngati Hinemihi from whom Hinemihi originated and the people in the UK who will be looking after Hinemihi during the future.

Statement of Objectives, Overall Project
· To develop Hinemihi as a meeting house to meet the present day requirements of the UK and visiting Maori community as well as those interested in learning about Maori and Polynesian culture.
· To improve the interpretation of Hinemihi for all visitors to Clandon Park.
· To conserve Hinemihi with an eye to her original construction in New Zealand as well as her development in England.
· To conserve existing carvings and artwork, and commission new ones.

The venues:         
The Institute of Archaeology, University College of London
31-34 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PY
14-16 May 2012, 9:30-4:30 each day
                            
WHAT_architecture office,
Transworld House
100 City Road London, EC1Y 2BP
19-20 May, 9:00 am-9:00 pm each day

Clandon Park, West Clandon, Surrey, GU4 7RQ
22-24 May, 9:30-4:30 each day
 
Your Tutors
 
James Schuster, Maori Built Heritage Adviser (Traditional Arts), NZ Historic Places Trust – Pouhere Taonga
Born and raised in Rotorua NZ, into a family that has maintained and practised Maori Arts and Crafts for generations.  Traditional knowledge and skills that have been passed down through the family have led to the appointment to the above position with NZHPT. 30 years of teaching in all levels of the NZ education sector has also provided the necessary skills required for running wananga and workshops to pass on those traditional skills. Traditional harvesting and preparation of natural resource materials has become a key component of restoration workshops for tukutuku.Our tukutuku workshops have been held on marae, in schools, tertiary institutions, and museums.  Most of our tukutuku workshops have been a joint effort between my wife Cathy and me.
  
Cathy Schuster, Weaver
I am South Island born, but have lived in the north since I was a teenager. Jim and I have been together since our Teachers’ Training College days, married and have a whanau of 3 children, their partners and 4 grandchildren. My weaving life started in those early days together, and I owe my knowledge and experience to Jim’s mum Emily, and a number of other weavers who helped me along the way. Six years ago, I left teaching to become a self-employed weaver. This has enabled me to support Jim in projects involving Maori arts and restoration, as well as creating new works. I also produce my own work on commission and occasionally exhibit. Tukutuku has been a major part of our joint work with marae, school and community groups. We both gain huge satisfaction from helping maintain and develop these traditional skills.