Members of the public are being offered a unique opportunity to come and listen to the sounds of taonga puoro (traditional Māori musical instruments) and learn about their origins with Jo’el Komene. Two sessions will be held at Te Kōputu on Wednesday, 13 July with both a demonstration and workshop centred on taonga puoro.
Jo’el is an artist, musician, carver and educator who was born in Tauranga and has whakapapa links to Ngā Puhi, Tainui and Tapuika tribes. Based in Tauranga, he performs, creates instruments and teaches taonga puoro to a vast range of audiences. He has performed both nationally and internationally, and is a highly sought-after artist.
Jo’el’s personal approach to his work is heartfelt and passionate as he strives to connect the traditions and origins of taonga puoro to the modern world. He achieves this by honouring the past while celebrating the present into the future.
The morning session will see Jo’el introduce the audience to the different families of taonga puoro with a short talk about each one, interlaced with performances. The talk covers construction techniques and material, whakapapa (genealogical links) as well as tikanga (protocols) connected to traditional performance with taonga puoro. Demonstrations of the various instruments are the highlight of this session and not to be missed.
The afternoon session is a workshop in which participants will make a taonga puoro and learn how to play it with tuition and guidance. Kits are provided by Jo’el, and the cost of the kits has generously been sponsored by the Friends of the Whakatāne District Libraries. To end the workshop, all participants are invited to take part in a group performance using their newly-created taonga puoro. Places are limited for this workshop, so bookings are essential.
Session One - Taonga Puoro Demonstration
- Wednesday, 13 July
- 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Opus Gallery, Te Kōputu
- Free demonstration for the whole family to enjoy
- No booking required
Session Two - Taonga Puoro Creation Workshop
- Wednesday, 13 July
- 1 pm to 3 pm
- Little Orchard Activity Room, Te Kōputu
- Make a Taonga Puoro (Māori Musical Instrument) Workshop
- Suitable for children and adults 10 years and over
- Places are limited and booking is essential - email library@whakatane.govt.nz or phone 07 306 0509