Taonga puoro literally means “musical treasure” or “treasure of music” – “treasure” in a spiritual rather than a material sense, as something that is precious and needs careful tending and looking after.

Some Maori seem to feel that taking photographs of taonga is not appropriate (though others don't seem to have a problem with it) - in any case it has proved a lot more difficult than I expected to find some images and information to build this page. There is nearly nothing on the internet, and although there is a very beautiful and fairly comprehensive book published, Taonga puoro - Singing treasures by Brian Flintoff, obviously I can't just use his photos for copyright reasons. I am working on getting my own images done, hopefully Tahu will help me out a bit. Until such time as I can sort out this problem and build a page with proper information myself, here are a few links with more information, descriptions and photos of instruments, audio samples, and a couple of performer's personal sites

links:

• Carving site listing several types of instruments (with photos)
• SOUNZ - Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns perform (audio files)
• Richard Nunns (pioneer performer and researcher)
• Tahu (Wellington based ensemble specializing in taonga puoro)

last updated: 1 September, 2008