Skip Content
Elsie-solo

Photo caption: Elsie Rakuraku at Te Matatini

A new Māori performing arts course being offered in Whakatane for the first time can help make a real difference in the lives of rangatahi (young people), says its highly experienced kaiako (tutor).

Elsie Rakuraku (Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Kurī) is starting the Toi Maruata Level 3 course next month for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

The course will involve tauira (students) developing an arts project or production, involving Māori arts such as kapa haka, drama and dance.

“We’ll collectively decide on the exact nature of what we do once all the tauira are together,” says Elsie (63), who helped start the Rotorua campus in 1993, where the first Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Māori performing arts course was offered.

Toi Maruata Level 3 will involve a marae stay a month for five months, plus a once a week face-to-face class in Whakatane. The course is fees free.

Elsie has a particularly strong background in kapa haka which she says keeps her excited about passing on knowledge to rangatahi.

“I have a passion for kapa haka and what it brings to our young people, as they get a bit passionate too.

“I can see what it does to rangatahi – it gives them self-esteem, for example. I can see the difference it makes.”

Elsie-whanau

Photo caption: Elsie with her husband, and a group including a son and two daughters. Kapa haka has been “our life as a whanau”, says Elsie.

The Level 3 course is a potential bridging course for rangatahi wanting to do higher level Māori performing arts courses at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Elsie adds.

People interested in the course can visit our Toi Maruata programme page or contact Elsie at elsie.rakuraku@twoa.ac.nz and on 022 401 5892.

 Back to news & events

Published On: 23 July, 2019

Article By: Stephen Ward



Other Articles

  • 29 October 2025

    Raranga weaves culture and people together

    Yumi’s muka kākahu beautifully blends Māori and Japanese culture through raranga. Discover her inspiring journey with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, from Kāwai Raupapa to Maunga Kura Toi, and how weaving has connected her to people, tikanga, and identity.

  • 29 October 2025

    Toi tauira to kaiako series – Desiree Moat-Rangikataua

    Heretaunga toi kaiako Desiree Moat-Rangikataua shares her inspiring journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how raranga, te reo Māori, and a reconnection to culture shaped her path and why she encourages others to embrace growth and teaching.

  • 22 October 2025

    From the bush to a PhD - Fabian's journey of faith, family, and learning

    Fabian C Mika’s journey from the ngahere of Rūātoki to earning a PhD is a powerful story of faith, whānau, and mātauranga Māori. Discover how his passion for Ringatū, te reo Māori, and education led to academic success and a legacy of learning for future generations.

  • 20 October 2025

    Mahi toi exhibitions 2025

    From raranga to whakairo, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa toi tauira are showcasing their mahi toi in free exhibitions across Aotearoa from September to November 2025. Discover stunning works of Māori art and creativity, and celebrate the journey of tauira from certificate to degree level.