‘Unaunahi 2021’ was designed through the guidance and expert advice of Pūkenga Whakairo. The title of the kaupapa Unaunahi is taken from the traditional fish scale pattern and will focus on the ways these sorts of patterns were applied by our tūpuna including tatai and kōrero tuku iho and encourage new perspectives of these elements in our times now. It will provide time and space for the transmission of specific mātauranga whakairo from Pūkenga to practitioners. The wānanga will work around whakapapa, hitori, innovations and technique, natural resource, pattern, design and style, works creation, as well as more deepening knowledge around roles and responsibilities, and traditions.

Unaunahi has been selected as a starting point for future whakairo learning activities and will also serve as the practical guiding pattern for this first series of wānanga. We will deepen our level of understanding of unaunahi as it relates to whakairo and the cultural heritage of Te Taitokerau, and in the process, elevate the distinctive qualities of unanauhi as we innovate into the future. It will also provide a distinctive and unique opportunity to address the spectrum of other carving patterns and practices, and grow technical ability, cultural practices and understanding.