One of New Zealand's top Maori carvers says it's been a huge challenge creating traditional and modern works of art in only a week, for an exhibition which opened on Friday at Te Awamutu.
Kereti Rautangata says nine carving tutors from all over the North Island and 18 Te Wananga o Aotearoa students worked over seven days on about two dozen pieces, some as high as four metres.
He says completing the exhibition so quickly was a team effort.
Mr Rautangata says the month-long exhibition has four distinct categories: the spirit that engenders inspiration, exploration, expression and transformation.
Research carried out for the exhibition will be included in a carving instruction book to be published later in the year.
The experience has been amazing for both tutors and students and should benefit others who want to study carving, says Mr Rautangata.
