Learning lessons from the master | Auckland Lifestyle News | Health, Fashion, Food and Wine in Auckland

Muiakitau Talauta, better known as Mui, is keen to share his insight as a master carver as far and as wide as he possibly can at the first Gahua Lima, Creative Hands of Niue.

A collaboration of mostly Kiwi-born Niuean artists, this event recognises their artistic talents and allows them to reach Niuean and other ethnic communities in the area.

Niue-born Mui will be joined by his wife, Amelia, who will demonstrate her weaving. Other exhibitors include Cerisse Palalagi, Chloe Kauhiva, Isiah Edwards, Samantha Atasani, Janet Lilo and Seneua Pihigia-Falakoa.

"We are privileged that people like Mui are going to be on hand to pass on their wealth of knowledge to Kiwi-born Niueans like myself who are quite westernised," says event manager, Miriam Poitoa-Kauhiva.

The 87-year-old Talauta, an Avondale resident, who's respected and lauded as one of New Zealand's first master canoe builders, says he holds all his secrets in his head and has nothing written down.

"I love teaching people my craft, although it does tire me out quite a bit these days," he says.

"Coming from a long line of master carvers, I'm keen to pass on my skills, to keep the legacy going."

In addition to being there to give first-hand advice on making vaka (canoe), Talauta will also display photos detailing each stage of him building the big canoe for the 1990 Commonwealth Games, plus three smaller canoes.

Poitoa-Kauhiva says people like Mr and Mrs Talauta are "helping keep the Niuean connection to our homeland alive".

Gahua Lima, Creative Hands of Niue, Avondale Community Centre, 99 Rosebank Rd, Avondale, Mar 6, 10.30am-3.30pm. Also at The Edge, Aotea Square, Mar 8-12. Contact: Miriam, ph 027 674 6205.