THE HISTORY OF TE WHARE TŪ TAUA O AOTEAROA

The Ancient Art of Māori Weaponry can be traced back to the time when 
Ranginui and Papatūānuku were separated and their children were at war with each other from which all ancient fighting can be traced.

Tūmatauenga received many of his names from his fierceness in battle and fighting hence becoming the god of war.

Te Whare Tū Taua was one of many ancient learning schools where the art of war was preserved and taught for over 1000 years through out all Iwi and Hapu specializing in all aspects of warfare and weaponry.

Due to years of colonization, suppression, and legislation such as the Tohunga Suppression Act 1907, this devastated the language, Tikanga and all forms of ancient Whare Wānanga almost to extinction.

Te Whare Tū Taua o Aoteaora was founded by Dr Pita Sharples in 1983 
due to the renaissance of the Maori language, tikanga and to offer the ancient art of mau rākau back to Māoridom as an innovative program in physical fitness, Māori history, Māori Atua, whakapapa, confidence, leadership skills, self discipline, respect and all uses of the Taiaha.

The curriculum is separated into eight stages (poutahi to pouwaru), taking
between 12 to 15 years to complete.

At present there are approximately 2000 members through out Aotearoa from all tribes and throughout the world, men and women, from akonga to
pouwaru.

All new members are welcome to join our many branches through out Aotearoa and also in London, Australia, Hawai'i and now Abu Dabi.

The summit of Te Paa Horehore o Te Rangitapu ā Whata is the spiritual focuspoint for Te Whare Tū Taua o Aotearoa and Ngai Te Kikiri o Te Rangi oNgāti Kahungunu.  For the last 32 years, students throughout Aotearoa and the world have, and continue to visit this maunga.