Pōtaka Tā

Tū Mātau Ora is a Wellington-based organisation that encourages positive outcomes and wellbeing for individuals, communities, and our environments through the revitalisation of Mātauranga Māori and Ngā Mahi ā te Rēhia. One of the main methods they employ to engage, educate and empower people is by normalising Taonga Tākaro (traditional Māori games and activities) such as Kī o Rahi, mauī matau poi rākau, tū pōhatu, poukoki and more. In the spirit of encouraging play and fun they have developed a range of taputapu tākaro (play items) such as their Pōtaka tā that we have here at the gallery. Pōtaka or spinning tops are a traditional Māori activity enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. These double ended Pōtaka are known as Tikitiki and are amongst the most popular shapes. The Tā is the string used to whip and spin the Pōtaka once in motion. People often like to battle one another by knocking the opponent's Pōtaka with their own to see who can stay spinning the longest - like Māori Beyblades! The range of Pōtaka by Tū Mātau Ora is made from rescued, recycled Native New Zealand wood and is handmade locally. Tū Mātau Ora are available for workshops so if you’re interested get in touch at matauora@gmail.com or visit their website at https://tumatauora.org/.