What got me started..
Kia ora koutou.
Our kaupapa
This is the development phase of a living pathway — researching, testing, and shaping how drum-making, playing, and rhythmic language can connect us to our heritage.
This is part of the exciting reawakening phase of the drums of te ao Māori.
Explore our journey
We invite you to delve deeper into the heart of Māori Rhythms: Tapatapa ki te Papa. Discover the stories, the people, and the passion that drive our mission to revive and share our rich rhythmic heritage.
Origins
Learn about the origins and vision behind Māori Rhythms: Tapatapa ki te Papa, and the journey that brought us here.
Workshops
Participate in our workshops and connect with the rhythmic language of our tūpuna (ancestors).
Gallery
View our gallery showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of traditional Māori instruments.
Testimonials
Hear from those who have engaged with our kaupapa and experienced the rhythms firsthand.
About Māori Rhythms
Māori Rhythms: Tapatapa ki te Papa began years ago with a question - where are our traditional drums? Who has knowledge about them and are there any examples with whānau? As a Māori-led kaupapa, we are committed to authenticity and the profound connection between our traditions, our ceremony, our rhythm and our land. Our approach is rooted in mātauranga Māori, ensuring every aspect reflects our commitment to cultural integrity and educational excellence.
Moving forward while looking back
We pride ourselves on fostering a deep connection to te ao Māori (the Māori world) through our rhythmic explorations. Discover how our kaupapa contributes to cultural revitalization and personal well-being, through sound, design and involving our rangatahi.
Meet the team
Meet the team that are helping to bring theTapatapa ki te Papa project to life:
Kelly Kahukiwa
Founder of Tapatapa ki te Papa
Wiremu Ambrose Sarich
Pūoro practitioner, brain development through dexterity, researching pate style drum. Haututu connective
Makareta Umbers
Percussionist, singer, actress, musician, song writer
Christian McDonald
MENZA Pūoro artist and wānanga education designer
Horomona Horo
Taonga pūoro practitioner representing Haumanu Collective and Haututu Connective
Mr G - Graham Hoete
World reknowned artist and Māori design consultant
Netana
Sound engineer, Film maker, documentary creator, producer, Taonga Pūoro drum n bass pioneer
Other related projects that have got me to here
The videos below show a glimpse into the background of how I arrived at this place - the place where I have gathered my team to dream our rhythmic language and awaken our drums into reality, in our lifetime.
Mauri Tū Mauri Ora Trailer:
The rhythms in the ngahere.
Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora: 2022
Karakia, oro, forest health and the connection to atua realms
'Tune Me In' Episode 8 2025:
Kōrero about Pūoro.
(Rhythms from 8 min)
Haumanu interview with Horomona Horo:
Kelly Kahukiwa - Māoriori, oro and taiao - bridging worlds with sound.
Te Pahū documentary
Link to NZ Onscreen Te Pahū 1996
https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/te-pahu-1996
With the resurgence of taonga pūoro, one musical instrument remains conspicuously absent from Māori music —pahū (drum). In this documentary Te Pahū, composer Hirini Melbourne (ONZM) and ethnologist Te Warena Taua trace the history of pahū, from musical accompaniment to being the manawa (heart) of communication and communities. Musicians and carvers bring to life the lost beat of pahū by creating a version using modern techniques. Pioneering Māori filmmaker Merata Mita (Patu!) directed Te Pahū, while Rawiri Paratene (Whale Rider) co-wrote and produced it.
The hardest thing with carving anything like this is having the right tools, and conventional tools don't really...You can see I've sort of tried to get in there with a chainsaw and chisel, to make that deeper and get a larger chamber to resonate. I’m going to have to have made some special tools.– Carver Bernard Makoare on his first attempt at carving a pahū
Toi Taiao Whakatairanga
A focus on the sound relationship of two tūpuna maunga, Parihaka and Manaia in the Whangārei region.
"The workshops were an incredibly enriching experience, deeply connecting me to Māori culture through rhythm and craft. Truly inspiring."
Aroha M.
"Tapatapa ki te Papa has a profound impact, offering a unique blend of artistry and cultural education. Highly recommended."
Wiremu P.
"An outstanding initiative that beautifully preserves and shares the vibrant rhythmic language of Aotearoa (New Zealand)."
Mereana H.
Connect with us
Location
Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
New Zealand