Nine top Maori carving tutors and 18 Te Wananga o Aotearoa students have completed a marathon effort in Te Awamutu, to create an exhibition of art work in just seven days.
About two dozen pieces which range from two to four metres high and are carved from kauri, totara and macrocarpa, go on display in the town on Friday.
Kaiarahi whakairo (carving leader) Kereti Rautangata said the creation of so many traditional and modern works of art in such a short time, has been a great challenge for both tutors and students, and is a fantastic achievement.
He said the theme of the exhibition has four distinct categories, the spirit that engenders inspiration, exploration, expression and transformation.
Mr Rautangata said the atmosphere and co-operation among the carving tutors and the students was fantastic and a great learning experience for all of them.
The exhibition runs for a month.
