Carvings in the Mataatua wharenui are brought to life
Overview
After more than 130 years away, Mataatua Wharenui – New Zealand's most travelled Māori meeting house – was finally returned to the Ngāti Awa tribe. We created an immersive experience to tell the story of the wharenui in a way that respects and enhances this historic building without eclipsing it.
The trick of technology
Click Suite achieved this ambitious project using ‘digital projection mapping’ – made challenging due to the richly detailed carvings and tukutuku (woven flax panels) we had as our projection canvas. However the result allows details to be highlighted and visitors get to really appreciate the craftsmanship in the wharenui.
By tracing around the carvings, a stencil was made, which allowed us to then project on very specific parts of the carvings; highlighting them to great effect. The images show some early experimentation.
By just shining on the tukutuku panels, you can suddenly see the fine work, and the stories embedded in them.
During the animation, there is a point where we we highlight all the people depicted in the carvings, and we make special features of their eyes. It is used to illustrate a part in the story where the villagers were envious - their eyes turn green and squint.
Authenticity is everything
The carvings themselves represent 1,000 years of whakapapa, and we listened carefully to their meanings and stories and the ancestors they represent. We selected the strongest stories for a tourism experience but we were so careful to make it truly authentic. Being true to this precious taonga was imperative.
We used the voice of a kaumatua to tell the story, and created an original sound track using puoro (traditional instruments) made from material sourced in the area.
The result is something the Iwi themselves are very very proud of.
Mataatua is amazing. If you wish to immerse yourself in a local Maori experience, this is the place to do it. This is a genuine Maori experience and an amazing story. Even the Maori guest (from a different tribe) in our group was impressed. It takes over an hour and it is well worth it, both in money and time spent. The light show at the end is worth every penny. Would I go again? Yes.
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