Whakairo "Tu Mana" unveiled

By Vai Mahutariki | Posted: Thursday August 3, 2023

On Monday, 31 July, Otago Boys’ High School unveiled their first ever Whakairo (Māori carving) piece in the Tower Block.

It was a project of the senior Māori class, and each boy had a part in completing this project in school. 

Led by Master Carver and father Alex Whitaker and supported by Assistant Principal and Head of the Māori Department Mr Vai Mahutariki, this project started in September 2022 and was completed last week. 

It began with a wananga last year to gather the vision and inspiration for this project with all the students in the class and adults involved. It has been a special project that connects to Otago Boys’ High School, the old boys who have gone on, future aspirations for all students and protection of each boys identity, culture and self. It now takes pride of place above the senior Māori class arch and doorway, known as Tū Māna. 

The whakairo is also called Tū Māna which means to stand proud of who you are at OBHS no matter where you come from. The whakairo encompasses two Manaia, one on each side, who are guardians over the land that OBHS sits on and all its students, staff, and whanau that assemble there. Those old boys who have passed on are represented with the main figure in the middle and represents a wero (challenge) for the current students to be the best they can be while also acknowledging the connection to the “Hoops”, a brotherhood that stands the test of time in our 160th year birthday. Other designs symbolise continuous learning throughout life, strength and courage, and the abundance of aroha (love) and manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness, and generosity). 

Thank you again to Matua Alex Whitaker for all his support of the students' work and sharing his expertise and guidance.

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