Matariki Whakairo
Meka Mauriri’s journey into Māori wood carving began unexpectedly. After leaving the Navy in 2019, unsure of his next step, he sought sunshine and new opportunities in Gisborne. A chance encounter with a friend led him to meet master carver of whakairo who would become his tutor and mentor and spark a passion that transformed is life.
Meka’s time in Gisborne was deeply transformative. Immersed in the vibrant carving culture of the East Coast, he was struck by the prevalence of whakairo, visible everywhere—from marae to homes and public spaces. “It was incredible. Every five minutes, I’d see carvings, and it made me realize just how much Taranaki was missing,” he recalls. Under the guidance of a master carver, he embarked on an intensive five-year journey to master the art of whakairo. Beyond learning carving techniques, he delved into the cultural stories and meanings behind each design, knowing that he needed to bring this knowledge back home to Taranaki.
With a clear vision of revitalizing Māori wood carving in his home region, Meka dedicated himself to his craft, earning a degree in Māori Arts and Crafts. He envisioned a future where Taranaki is adorned with carvings that tell the stories of its people and history, much like the East Coast where whakairo is prominent.
“Many marae in Taranaki aren’t fully adorned with carvings. It’s my dream to change that,” Meka says. “Generations from now, I hope carvings will be everywhere in Taranaki, breathing life into our stories and reconnecting our people to their heritage. I’ll give it my best in this lifetime to make it happen.”
In 2023, Matariki Whakairo was established with Jordan Berry, another skilled carver from Normanby. Named after a local pā site, the business aims to revitalise Māori wood carving in Taranaki. Their work serves as both an artistic expression and a way to reconnect with culture, countering the historical trauma that once led many to distance themselves from the art of carving.
The pair offers bespoke commissioned work, storytelling through art, and carving classes at Te Paepae o Aotea, welcoming learners of all nationalities and genders. Their workshops span two months and teaches the learner traditional patterns, carving techniques, and their meanings.
Reflecting on his journey, Meka shares three lessons for aspiring Māori business owners:
1. The Power of Relationships– Building connections opens doors to collaboration and growth.
2. Communication is Key – Clear, respectful communication fosters understanding and trust.
3. Marketing Matters – Sharing your story ensures your mahi (work) reaches the right audience.
Matariki Whakairo is more than a business—it’s a movement to bring Māori carving back to life and inspire pride in Taranaki’s rich cultural heritage.
