Koruru returned to Taupo District

4 September 2014

A historical koruru from a marae built in the 1880s is now on display at Taupo Museum for the first time.

The koruru, or carved gable mask, was originally carved for the wharenui Te Kohera, located off Kakaho Road near Tihoi. The wharenui became disused over time and the koruru was taken to the then-Dominion Museum (now Te Papa) in the early 1940s, where it sat in storage for 70 years.

Fast forward to 2013, and Mic O'Dea of the Te Kohera Kakaho Lands Trust researched and rediscovered the koruru at Te Papa. Mr O'Dea and the trust then began a journey to have the carving returned home to the Taupo District.

It arrived in March, with Ngati Te Kohera and the Te Kohera Kakaho Trust sharing in celebrations to mark the return of the taonga at Mokai Marae north of Taupo. The carving was then entrusted to Taupo Museum to allow the community to enjoy the special piece of the district's history.

Mr O'Dea said the koruru was carved by Turei and Porima from now-defunct Te Motu School of Carving in Waikato. It is said that it is one of the best preserved examples of its type on display in Aotearoa, he said.

Maori collections curator at Taupo Museum Bernise Williams said it was an honour to have the koruru return home to the district. This taonga is of great significance to Ngati Te Kohera, Ngati Tuwharetoa and the wider community, she said. We would like to thank everyone who helped make its return possible.

Taupo Museum is open seven days from 10am to 4.30pm. Entry is free to children and Taupo District residents with proof of address.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz