How To Make A Piupiu On Maori Television

Maori Arts Lesson #1 - How To Make A Piupiu On Maori Television

Maori Television viewers are in for a rare special this week as archival documentary series WAKA HUIA screens the Piupui episode this Wednesday November 27 at 8.30 PM.

Featuring the art of piupiu-making, as related by craftswoman Emeri (Emily) Schuster of Te Arawa, the programme is opening up the ancient craft in the Maori language with English language sub-titles for the benefit of all viewers.

The WAKA HUIA Maori documentary series was acquired from TVNZ archives and made its debut on Maori Television’s new schedule on Wednesday November 3.

WAKA HUIA was first transmitted in 1987, and since then it has captured over 500 hours of rare korero with esteemed Maori leaders, has ventured into marae throughout the motu and has showcased the Maori world to reveal both the brightest and most contentious issues in recent history.

Emily Schuster was born in 1927 and was performing in concert parties at Whakarewarewa Village by the age of 15. She was recognised worldwide as a cultural expert and was appointed the Womens’ Cultural Supervisor at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in 1969. She obtained one of the highest degrees of recognition when she was awarded a Q.S.M in 1983. She died in 1997 and her legacy and contribution to Maori arts and culture lives on with the screening of the Piupiu episode on Maori Television.

Further upcoming WAKA HUIA documentaries to screen include Waitaha elders talking about intermarriage with Ngai Tahu, a two-part look at Takaro (popular Maori children’s games), the people of Roimata Marae at Ohiwa Harbour sharing the process of drying and preserving kumara and more fascinating and educational looks at all aspects of Maoridom.

WAKA HUIA, on Maori Television Wednesdays at 8.30 PM.

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