Master Carver Rei Mihaere Receives Hamilton Civic Award

Master carver Rei Mihaere has been awarded the prestigious Hamilton Kirikiriroa Civic Award in recognition of his more than 40 years of dedicated service to his community, marae, and education. The award ceremony took place at Hamilton Gardens on Monday, following nominations from three prominent community leaders. Mihaere serves as kaumātua for Te Kōhao Health, Kirikiriroa Marae, and the Tipu Ake school carving programme.

The Tipu Ake programme, which commenced at Hillcrest Primary School in 2022, has since expanded to include fourteen schools in the region. Its primary objective is to empower ākonga Māori through cultural education and skills development. Lady Tureiti Moxon, managing director of Te Kōhao Health, highlighted Mihaere’s significant contributions, stating, “Through his carving programmes, cultural leadership, and unwavering service, he has uplifted whānau for generations.”

Mihaere, born in Ōpōtiki in 1951 as one of 15 children, reflected on his upbringing on a family farm. He shared with RNZ that the foundational values instilled in him were centered around community support. “My upbringing began in a local community where the kōrero was ‘it takes a community to raise a child’. For us, it was an iwi that took the responsibility and we were always at the pā,” he explained.

Growing up, Mihaere was immersed in a vibrant environment where various cultural activities flourished. “The nannies would be weaving whāriki, kete, potai for harvesting time while the men would be maintaining the wharenui or wharekai,” he recalled. He noted that this dynamic was crucial for younger generations to develop their carpentry and building skills.

In 1980, Mihaere’s journey into carving began after he relocated from Whanganui to Hamilton to work on the railways. His passion for the art form intensified when he was invited by fellow master carver Wikuki Kingi to learn the craft. “This was the beginning of my carving life under the kaupapa of Te Ranga Carving Kura,” Mihaere said, referencing the influence of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu’s head carver, Piri Poutapu.

Mihaere emphasized the importance of seeking his parents’ approval before dedicating himself to this art form, recognizing its sacredness within Te Ao Māori. “We had to return back to Tōrere to seek approval from mum and dad because these areas of Te Ao Māori were taputapu,” he explained.

For Mihaere, carving became the “pinnacle” of his life, providing not only a sense of purpose but also a means of supporting his family. “Whatever we did in support of the many kaupapa at local marae, churches, schools, sporting events, if we needed to be there we would go without question,” he stated. He considers carving a vital aspect of his existence, describing it as a form of therapy that allows him to disconnect from daily pressures.

As the year progresses, Mihaere is also looking forward to two upcoming graduations for the Tipu Ake programme. His ongoing commitment to cultural education continues to resonate within the community, demonstrating the enduring impact of his work.

Mihaere’s recognition with the Hamilton Kirikiriroa Civic Award serves as a testament to his lifelong dedication to the principles of community, culture, and education, ensuring that the legacy of Māori carving continues to thrive for future generations.