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 the 1980s 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, Brisbane Australia, Hawai'i and now Abu Dabi.
The summit of Te Paa Horehore o Te Rangitapu aa Whata is the spiritual focus point for Te Whare Tu Taua o Aotearoa and Ngai Te Kikiri o Te Rangi o Ngati Kahungunu. For the last 29 years, students throughout Aotearoa and the world have, and continue to visit this maunga