Manu Rere - Kites
Manu Rere - Kites
Create your own traditional or contemporary Māori kite!
Back to Toi Marama 2022

Kaupapa 03

Manu Rere - Kites

Create your own traditional or contemporary māori kite. Use your hands to build and learn new techniques that can be practiced in many ways.

Let us share with you a pūrākau where we will set the scene for your creative journey of building and adorning kites that can share matauranga, stories and expressions in a visual way.

Activity:

Task 01: Building your Manu Rere frame.

Using the sticks provided create a triangular or diamond shaped frame and tie the sticks where they intersect securely using string or wool.

Task 02: Covering your frame.

Place your cover sticks weather they are raupo or rice paper horizontally covering the shape of your frame. Your cover sticks should be laid closely together. Measure and trim the cover sticks so they just overlap the shape of your frame.

Task 03: Weaving your cover to the frame.

Using the string in a cross-weaving method commence tying each cover stick horizontally starting at the bottom of the frame and continuously tying each end of the cover stick to the frame. Keep the string tight while tying as you don’t want your kite to be loose in any way.

Task 04: Adornment and taura.

Find some feathers to add to your Manu Rere. Bind to the frame ends using string or simply thread in the holes you see at the end of a bamboo or raupo stick. Be creative by adding tails to your kite giving it some extra features while flying in the air. Finally add your bridle line and flying line to the correct places on your frame in order to get your Manu Rere up in the air.

Task 05: Takaro! Miharo!

Take a photo of your Manu Rere creation or even a short 30 second video of your Manu Rere in flight. Share with us by uploading your finished mahi into the Miharo!