This thesis argues that tradition can be seen to have a whakapapa, in that there is a distinct parentage, a moment of birth, and (occasionally), the demise of a tradition. I am applying this idea to chart change in carving by Ngati Porou over the period 1830-1930. I have chapters on the following: Existing practices, The Church, The Whare Whakairo, Tohunga Whakairo, The Patrons and The 20th Century.
My thesis has passed its oral and will be submitted with minor amendments in July 2012, hopefully in time for Spring graduation. It has been picked up by Auckland University Press who are going to publish it in 2013. For this next stage of the project, I am working with Ngati Porou photographer Natalie Robertson (AUT) who is re-photographing my amateur images for the book.
