Molly Taiapa (Aunty Molly)
Guide / Host
Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whakaue
Aunty Molly, as she is affectionately known, is the warm face that greets visitors at the Tomokanga (Entranceway) here at Te Puia.
For Aunty Molly, Te Puia provides her with a very solid foundation. ‘It is the place where my Dad, Hone Te Kauru [Taiapa], became the first Master Carver in 1967 teaching many of our young men the art of carving.’
For Aunty Molly has a very practical view of the Māori concept of manaakitanga (hospitality). ‘It means to look after our manuhiri (visitors) from overseas and from Aotearoa (New Zealand). Courtesy at all times.’