Our Guides
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.’
Carla Takarangi
Guide
Te Arawa, Ngāti Maru, Te Ati Haunui-a-Pāpārangi
Carla has a special link to Te Puia and Whakarewarewa ‘It’s my whānau legacy,’ explains Carla. ‘I am the fourth generation guide in my family. I love the people and the place, and sharing my culture. What better job is there?’
As she guides Carla has a warmth about her that radiates through her storytelling. Carla says that for her it’s about making an impression. ‘I ensure that the visitor experience is one they’ll never forget.’
As for the future of Te Puia, Carla has high hopes. ‘Our culture will be taken to the world through Te Puia’s commitment to cultural preservation.’
Faith Tuhakaraina
Duty Manager
Faith can make visitors feel welcome just by smiling. Perhaps it’s the reverence she has for the legacy of Te Puia shining through. ‘It is a place where I can stand proud and showcase all things Māori to a global audience,’ explains Faith, ‘and still remain authentic and humble to myself, people and culture.’
Faith hopes that visitors leave Te Puia with a lasting impression of her. ‘By being present to all those that you encounter in your lifetime, no matter how brief it may be, you have touched another life and therefore it is the greatest manaakitanga (hospitality) that can be expressed by any individual.’
Poihaere Knight
Events/Duty Manager and Host
Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou
Even if you don’t have the pleasure of Poihaere as your guide at Te Puia, you’re still likely to see her darting around the place.
Poihaere has many different roles but one thing is very clear to her and that is the of Te Puia. ‘It’s an energising place where one can learn from others,’ explains Poihaere, ‘we can share ourselves, our customs and practices, our faith and beliefs with people from all over the globe as well as those from right here in Aotearoa (New Zealand).’
For Poihaere, the true meaning of manaakitanga (hospitality) is that special touch. ‘It is giving your all to your guest so that when the time comes to part it’s the same feeling as if you were saying farewell to a member of your family.’
Shane Marshall
Guide
Tuhoe, Ngai Tamatuhirae, Ngāti Awa
Shane believes hospitality can be summed up in this whakatauki “Moumou kai, moumou tāonga, moumou tangata ki te pō.” This Māori proverb from the Tuhoe tribe describes their generosity in feasting and bestowing gifts on their manuhiri (visitors).
