Prisoners from the Maori Focus Unit at Waikeria Prison have completed the first ever prison-based Taonga Puoro programme and have given the traditional Maori instruments they made to the unit.
The eight graduates of the programme learned how to make the instruments, the history and purpose of each instrument and how to play them.
Each prisoner hand-crafted several intruments, such as bone and wood koauau (flutes) and putangitangi - or ‘small crying instruments’.
Programmes Manager Nadine Allen says she was honoured to be part of the inaugural programme.
“I would highly recommend a similar programme for other prisons as it taught new skills and inspired the men to learn about their culture and traditions,” she says.
The 10-week programme was delivered by Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan, Dianne Peake and Karen Renata.
Programme Facilitator Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan and Maori
Focus Unit Manager Errol Baker try out some of the instruments.
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ISSN 1178-8453