Tapawera Area School is searching for a Pūmoana to become part of their regular Mihi Whakatau, a ceremony to welcome new families or staff to their kura.
The Pūmoana, otherwise known as a shell trumpet, is a traditional instrument to many indigenous cultures, including Māori.
Māori have used these beautiful shells to help heal, welcome people, send messages, and be part of special occasions for centuries. It is said that the sounds of the Pūmoana can heal physically, emotionally and spiritually, and can be a powerful instrument for connecting with our tupuna (ancestors).
“Our kura is working on strengthening our Mihi Whakatau Tikanga. We are in search of a Pūmoana to be used in ceremonies welcoming new students, families, and community members to our school,” Māori liaison, art, social science, and year nine home group teacher, Kellie Doreen, says.
Kellie says the school has been grateful to have a Pūmoana on loan however they would now love to find a Pūmoana, or two, to be a permanent part of their Mihi Whakatau – a traditional encounter, in this case between the school’s teachers/students and their guests.
“By honouring Te Tiriti O Waitangi our kura is on a mission to make Te Ao Māori tikanga a focus of our strategic plan. The addition of traditional instruments is part of increasing our tikanga and starting new traditions for the school,” Kellie explains.
“With this in mind we are trying to raise our Māoritanga expectations for ourselves and our ākonga.”
A Pūmoana also serves as a connection to Papatuanuku (mother nature), Tangaroa (God of the ocean), Hinemoana (goddess of the ocean).
“We are wondering if anyone from the community has one sitting around not being used that could become part of our practice,” Kellie says.
If you have or know of a Pūmoana that might be suitable, contact the the school on (03) 522 4337.
