Master Carver Rei Mihaere Receives Hamilton Civic Award

Master carver Rei Mihaere has been awarded the esteemed Hamilton Kirikiriroa Civic Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the community over more than four decades. The award ceremony took place at the scenic Hamilton Gardens on Monday, following nominations from three prominent community leaders. Mihaere’s roles include serving as kaumātua for Te Kōhao Health, Kirikiriroa Marae, and the Tipu Ake school carving programme.

The Tipu Ake initiative began at Hillcrest Primary School in 2022 and has since expanded to fourteen schools in the Hamilton area. Its purpose is to empower ākonga Māori through traditional carving techniques. Lady Tureiti Moxon, managing director of Te Kōhao Health, praised Mihaere’s immense impact on the city, stating, “Through his carving programmes, cultural leadership, and unwavering service, he has uplifted whānau for generations. It couldn’t have happened to a better person, and we are thrilled that Hamilton City Council has honoured him in this way.”

Born in Ōpōtiki in 1951 as one of fifteen children, Mihaere reflected on his upbringing spent on his family’s farm, where he learned the value of community. “My upbringing began in a local community where the kōrero was ‘it takes a community to raise a child’,” he noted. Mihaere described a vibrant environment filled with activities, emphasizing the importance of cultural practices such as weaving and carpentry that occurred at the pā.

Mihaere’s passion for carving ignited in 1980 when he moved from Whanganui to Hamilton for work on the railways. His journey into the art of carving began when his whānaunga, Wikuki Kingi, invited him to carve at his home. This marked the start of Mihaere’s career under the mentorship of Te Ranga Carving Kura, which was established by the esteemed tōhunga whakairo Piri Poutapu, who served as the head carver for Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

“Carving became the pinnacle of my life,” Mihaere stated, emphasizing the deep connection he feels to his craft. He explained how his commitment to local marae, churches, schools, and sporting events has been a fundamental part of his life. “Whatever we did in support of the many kaupapa at local marae, if we needed to be there, we would go without question.”

Mihaere sees carving not only as an artistic pursuit but also as a therapeutic practice that grounds him amid daily pressures. “It’s a way of life that keeps one grounded and safe. Carving is my therapy where I can switch off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”

Looking ahead, Mihaere mentioned that there are still two Tipu Ake graduations scheduled before the end of the year, continuing his commitment to educating and empowering future generations through the art of carving.

The recognition from the Hamilton City Council underscores the profound impact of Mihaere’s work and his dedication to preserving and promoting Māori culture within the community.