Manu Rere Making
Manu Rere Making
Create your own contemporary Māori kite which will join a fleet of manurere at Waitangi 2026.
Use your hands to build and learn new techniques.
Back to Papamiharo 2026
Use your hands to build and learn new techniques.
Papamahi
Task 01: Building your Manu Rere frame
a. Using the bamboo sticks provided, create a triangular or diamond shaped frame by tying intersections securely using thread or wool.
Task 02: Covering your frame
a. Place raupo sticks or other chosen materials horizontally, to cover the shape of your bamboo frame (Your cover sticks should be laid closely together).
b. Measure and trim your chosen covering material so they just overlap the shape of your frame.
Notes: Refer to your material list for other covering options (Cardboard strips, fabric, raupo etc).
b. Measure and trim your chosen covering material so they just overlap the shape of your frame.
Notes: Refer to your material list for other covering options (Cardboard strips, fabric, raupo etc).
Task 03: Weaving your cover to the frame
a. Using the thread or wool in a cross-weaving method, commence tying each cover stick horizontally starting at the bottom of the frame and continue tying each end of the chosen cover material to the frame.
Note: Keep the thread or wool tight while tying as you don’t want your kite to be loose in any way.
Note: Keep the thread or wool tight while tying as you don’t want your kite to be loose in any way.
Task 04: Design your TOHU
a. Tamariki are to research Māori patterns or tohu that best aligns with 'Ko Wai Au'.
b. Practice drawing them on a piece of paper. Explore duplication, using one or many tohu / patterns in your design.
c. Use your chosen medium (paint or coloured pens) to draw your patterns or tohu onto a fabric, textile or the raupo.
They will choose from the following:
MANGOPARE - Strength and Resilience
KORU - Growth, Whānau and Life/Ora
POUTAMA - Journey, “Leveling up”, Journey of Learning and Journey of Achievement
NIHONIHO - Maunga, Kāinga, Kaitiaki, Whakapapa, Your siblings, Parents and Grandparents
UNAUNAHI - Sharing of wealth, Sharing of abundance, Sharing to others who might not be as lucky as you, Generosity.
Note: Tamariki are free to use the provided stencil sheet or create their own tohu freehand.
b. Practice drawing them on a piece of paper. Explore duplication, using one or many tohu / patterns in your design.
c. Use your chosen medium (paint or coloured pens) to draw your patterns or tohu onto a fabric, textile or the raupo.
They will choose from the following:
MANGOPARE - Strength and Resilience
KORU - Growth, Whānau and Life/Ora
POUTAMA - Journey, “Leveling up”, Journey of Learning and Journey of Achievement
NIHONIHO - Maunga, Kāinga, Kaitiaki, Whakapapa, Your siblings, Parents and Grandparents
UNAUNAHI - Sharing of wealth, Sharing of abundance, Sharing to others who might not be as lucky as you, Generosity.
Note: Tamariki are free to use the provided stencil sheet or create their own tohu freehand.
Task 05: Adornment and taura
a. Find some feathers to add to your Manu Rere.
b. Bind feathers together and then attach to the end of the frame ends or bamboo sticks.
c. Using a similar technique, get creative by adding tails to your kite. Tails add an extra features to your Manu Rere.
d. Finally add your bridle and flying line to the correct places on your frame in order for hanging and installation.
b. Bind feathers together and then attach to the end of the frame ends or bamboo sticks.
c. Using a similar technique, get creative by adding tails to your kite. Tails add an extra features to your Manu Rere.
d. Finally add your bridle and flying line to the correct places on your frame in order for hanging and installation.