Team work makes the dream work

From Tauranga City Library’s archives
A monthly blog about interesting items in our collection

‘Nāu te rourou, naku rourou ka ora ai te iwi’

‘By your food basket and mine, the people will be nourished’

Simply put, this whakataukī (proverb) speaks to the prosperity that awaits those that work collaboratively, which is articulated in the tukutuku panel below where the pātiki (flounder) and nihoniho (teeth) patterns come together to yield a beautiful piece of art. More specifically, the underlying message here is ‘to show how well Māori and Pākehā can work together’ (Murray, 1993). This was the principal theme observed by Raewin Tipene-Clarke which inspired the creation of a 16-piece tukutuku collection (of which the one pictured beneath is a part of) that is cared for by the Tauranga City Libraries Heritage & Research team. Tipene-Clarke hoped that by displaying these taonga (treasures) in the library, Māori would feel at home encouraging them to visit and use the library more often.

Pātiki, Nihoniho - by Joan Lynd and Waina Borell. Tauranga City Libraries Art 21-160 The yellow diamond shapes depict the pātiki pattern while nihoniho are illustrated by the white triangular motifs.

Tukutuku, or arapaki, are a traditional Māori art form originally created by lashing horizontal wooden slats to vertical backing stalks. Working in pairs with a person on either side, it is onto these ‘lattice working areas’ that patterns are cross-stitched - a process known as tuitui (Paama-Pengelly, 2010). Completed tukutuku are commonly placed on the walls between carved poupou (carved wall figures) in wharenui (meeting house) supporting the kōrero (story) of the tīpuna (ancestors) represented in the carvings. In contemporary times they can also be found adorning the walls of wharekai (dining halls), kāinga (homes), and public spaces such as libraries. 

Kaokao - by Kataraina Obrien and Rawinia Gray. Tauranga City Libraries Photo 21-371. Displayed in the library at the 1993 blessing. Kaokao (armpit) are represented by the angled peaks seen above which symbolise strength and protection.

Early tukutuku were simple in composition evolving to more complex designs over time including figurative motifs, but the symbolism and associations imbued in them remains to be of utmost importance. The methods and materials utilised also expanded, as seen in the case of the library’s collection which are fashioned from modern materials such as pegboard and flat plastic lacing cord. In modern times on occasion, ready-made items are included to help illustrate the kōrero portrayed as witnessed below where a small section of whāriki (woven mat) and three woven kete (baskets) have been utilised.

                        Tauranga Moana - by Te Roopu Wahine Maori toko i te ora. Tauranga City Libraries Art 21-155

In 1991, Tauranga Library staff visited Paparoa Marae, Te Puna. During the trip staff saw newly completed tukutuku destined for the marae’s wharenui and wharekai. It was here that Tipene-Clarke first had the idea of making tukutuku to exhibit in the library in hopes of making the space more welcoming for Māori. Two years later, under the guidance of Waina Borell and with the dedicated mahi (work) of members from the Matua branch of the Māori Women’s Welfare League, and funding from the Community Arts Council, Trustee Bank Bay of Plenty and the Centennial Suffrage Year Trust 1993, the 16 tukutuku were produced. The collection was unveiled and gifted to the library during a well-attended blessing ceremony, on July 30th 1993, in time to help celebrate the 1993 Centennial of Women’s Suffrage. 

                  

                            Tauranga Library Tukutuku Panels Blessing 1993. Tauranga City Libraries Photo 10-109

       

             Library staff singing waiata (song) at Tukutuku panels unveiling. Tauranga City Libraries Photo 21-335
    

Hariru (shaking hands) of tangata whenua and manuhiri at the Tauranga Library unveiling of Tukutuku panels. Tauranga City Libraries Photo 21-338

Mererina Murray, former Tauranga City Libraries Māori Services Librarian and Matua Māori Women’s Welfare League member, wrote a booklet about the collection which includes images and kōrero about each panel and their creator/s.

Nihoniho - by Mererina Murray, Tai Tipene-Clarke, Erana Bush  and Te Aouru Smith. Tauranga City Libraries Art 21-165 Mererina and others performing kapa haka. Tauranga City Libraries Photo 21-348

Tukutuku Collection, Nga Taonga o Nga Wahine: He Tohu Whakamaharatanga Tenei Mo Te Tohu Whakatu Wahine 1993 [sic] - by Mererina Murray. Tauranga City Libraries 746 MAO

30 July 2023 marks 40 years since the 16 tukutuku panels were gifted to the library. Affectionately identified as ‘an integral part of the library’s culture’, the Tauranga City Libraries Heritage & Research Team are honoured to ensure that this collection is around for many more years to come (Murray, 1993).

Tukutuku Collection Art 21-154 to Art 21-169, Tauranga City Libraries 

Sources

Murray, M. (1993). Tukutuku Collection: He Tohu Whakamaharatanga Tenei Mo Te Tohu Whakatu                     Wahine 1993. Tauranga: Tauranga District Libraries

Paama-Pengelly, J. (2010). Māori Art and Design: Weaving, Painting, Carving and Architecture.                         Auckland: New Holland Publishers

Simmons, D. R. (1997). The Māori Meeting House: Te Whare Rūnanga. Auckland: Reed Books

Pae Korokī (https://paekoroki.tauranga.govt.nz) 

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These artworks are cared for at an off-site climate-controlled facility, for more information about this collection or other items in our archives visit Pae Korokī or email the Heritage & Research Team: Research@tauranga.govt.nz  

Written by Chelsea Tairi,  Heritage Trainee at Tauranga City Library.