Master Carver Rei Mihaere Receives Hamilton Civic Award

Master carver Rei Mihaere has been awarded the esteemed Hamilton Kirikiriroa Civic Award in recognition of his more than 40 years of dedicated service to his community, marae, and educational initiatives. The award ceremony took place at Hamilton Gardens on Monday, following nominations from three community leaders who highlighted his significant contributions to local culture and education.

Mihaere serves as kaumātua for Te Kōhao Health, Kirikiriroa Marae, and the Tipu Ake school carving programme. This initiative, which began at Hillcrest Primary School in 2022, has expanded to fourteen schools, aiming to empower ākonga Māori through the art of carving. Lady Tureiti Moxon, managing director of Te Kōhao Health, expressed her admiration for Mihaere, stating, “Through his carving programmes, cultural leadership, and unwavering service, he has uplifted whānau for generations.”

Mihaere, born in Ōpōtiki in 1951 as one of fifteen children, shared insights into his upbringing, which was steeped in community values. He reflected on the local saying, “it takes a community to raise a child,” emphasizing the strong sense of responsibility within his iwi. “We were always at the pā,” he noted, describing a vibrant environment where elders engaged in traditional crafts while the younger generation honed their carpentry skills.

His journey into carving began in 1980 after relocating from Whanganui to Hamilton to pursue work in the railways. Shortly after, he was invited by his relative, Wikuki Kingi, a fellow master carver, to begin learning the craft. “This was the beginning of my carving life under the kaupapa of Te Ranga Carving Kura,” Mihaere explained, referencing the influence of the late Piri Poutapu, a prominent figure in Māori carving.

Mihaere emphasized the significance of carving in his life, describing it as the “pinnacle” of his experiences. “Whatever we did in support of the many kaupapa at local marae, churches, schools, sporting events, if we needed to be there we would go without question,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of carving as a means of grounding himself amidst life’s pressures, referring to it as “my therapy.”

Looking ahead, Mihaere noted that there are still two Tipu Ake graduations scheduled before the end of the year, underscoring his ongoing commitment to fostering Māori cultural heritage. His recognition by the Hamilton City Council marks a significant milestone in honoring the contributions of local leaders who dedicate their lives to community service and cultural education.