Master carver Rangi Hetet, based in Waiwhetu, is one of these legends and stars in a documentary at New Zealand International Film Festival, starting this weekend.
Over 3 years in the making, it’s an insight in to the incredible mahi involved in creating carvings. This is an extra special story of an exceptional artist who has taught new generations of carvers in the original art of Māori carving.
At 82, Rangi is one of the last traditional Māori carvers alive today who learned their craft in an era that straddled the ways of the old tohunga whakairo (master carver) and those of the modern world.
Rangi carved the impressive marae wharenui at Waiwhetu and his family’s work have adorned government and council buildings, featured in a recent exhibition at The Dowse and in collections across the globe.
1000s around the world are students of the recently launched Hetet School of Māori art – teaching traditional weaving, carving and storytelling.
Watch the trailer and see full details at nziff.co.nz.
Sunday 28 July 12:45pm at Te Papa
Wed 7 Aug 1:30pm at City Gallery
$15 adults
