10/10/2026
In Aotearoa, some stories aren’t written — they’re carved. 🇳🇿✨
Whakairo, the Māori tradition of carving, is much more than decoration. The shapes, patterns and figures can carry stories of whakapapa (genealogy), identity, ancestors and connection to the whenua — the land.
You’ll see whakairo in places such as wharenui (meeting houses), waka and other important cultural spaces, each piece carrying meaning far beyond what you see at first glance.
Living in New Zealand is also about discovering the culture that gives this country its identity. 💙
So next time you come across a carving like this, take a closer look — there may be a whole story in front of you.