A whakairo journey shaped by art and community

Murray ‘Muzz’ Green (Te Kanawa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Whatakaraka, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Te Kiriwai, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Ngutū, Whānau-a-Apanui and Ngāti Porou) left school at 15 when he realised conventional education wasn’t for him.

At 19, after 4 years with various jobs, Muzz found himself unemployed. That’s when he learned of a work placement scheme at Waipā Kōkiri Arts Centre, that functioned like a paid apprenticeship. He chose whakairo (carving), despite having no prior experience.

“I didn’t even know how to hold a chisel.”

Muzz was part of a diverse cohort, all of whom had been let down by mainstream education.

“A lot of guys come off the streets, in gangs and things like that.”

At the time, the arts centre – a humble double garage where the head office of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa now is – offered just 2 courses; whakairo and raranga.

Under the guidance of renowned kaiako, Dr. Pakariki ‘Paki’ Harrison (Ngāti Porou), QSO, Muzz contributed to the creation of pou (carved posts) for O-Tāwhao Marae. The learning was hands-on, with tauira sketching directly onto wood and shaping their designs using chisels and hammers.

All tauira contributed to the construction of O-Tāwhao Marae. Pou carved by the whakairo tauira were installed alongside tukutuku panels made by the raranga tauira, while others focused on building and construction. Everyone was involved with painting the ceiling, making it a true collective effort.

“We all had a hand in everything. It was their way of teaching us all of the different skills.”

Muzz quickly realised he had found his place among the 15 or so whakairo tauira. They all knew each other, and so spent time together away from their learning.

“We did things together, we played sport together, Waipā Kōkiri Arts even sponsored us. We hung out, even on weekends. We all knew each other – that's what made me enjoy it.”

After 5 years with Waipā Kōkiri Arts Centre, and completing various other projects, Muzz eventually moved to Te Waipounamu to raise his whānau.

“It’s been a good journey. I met a lot of people. Every time I go home, I catch up with them.”

Muzz remains passionate about carving and has been commissioned for projects and repairs over the years. Recent mahi includes pou at the new Porirua campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Ao Marama. His own projects include taiaha, tokotoko, 21st keys and waka huia, and he takes pride in respectfully carrying others work into the future through his repairs.

When asked if he’d be interested in teaching, his response is simple and sincere:

“Yeah, if there are people out there that are keen on learning. Doesn’t matter if they’re good kids or bad kids. Just got to give them a shot. It might be in them.”

Muzz’s story is a testament to the transformative power of art and community, highlighting not only the importance of hands-on learning and cultural preservation, but also the potential within every person – if only given the chance.

*Editor’s note: In 1989, the Waipā Kōkiri Arts Centre became the Aotearoa Institute. 5 years later, in 1994, to mark its official recognition as a tertiary education provider – alongside universities, polytechnics, and teachers’ training colleges, it was renamed Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Learn more about our 40-year history.