Whare Toi + Toa

GALLERY + SHOP 

Whare toi

Gallery

Step into the Gallery at Kā Uri in Awanui, where the rich heritage of Northland is celebrated through beautiful, locally crafted art and unique exhibits.  

Our gallery showcases a stunning collection of traditional and contemporary Māori art, handcrafted pieces, and inspiring works that tell the stories of the Far North.  

Located within the charming Kā-Uri setting, the gallery offers a tranquil space to connect with local culture and creativity, perfect for art lovers and visitors wanting a deeper connection with Aotearoa’s artistic legacy.  

Explore, admire, and take a piece of Northland home with you. 

Toi

Shop

Discover the essence of Northland at the Kā Uri Gift Shop, where we bring together a curated selection of locally crafted treasures.  

Our shop is filled with unique items that reflect the rich heritage and beauty of the Far North, including traditional Māori carvings, handcrafted jewellery, art, and keepsakes.  

Each piece is thoughtfully chosen to provide visitors with an authentic connection to Aotearoa’s culture and craftsmanship.  

Whether you’re looking for a special souvenir, a gift, or something to remind you of your journey, the Kā Uri Gift Shop offers something truly memorable for everyone. 

Whare mahi

workshop

Experience the beauty and skill of traditional wood carving up close at Ka Uri. Our workshop offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness master carvers at work, bringing intricate designs to life with time-honoured techniques. Watch as raw timber is transformed into stunning art, each piece telling its own story through detailed patterns and cultural symbolism.

Whether you’re a lover of craftsmanship or simply curious about the ancient art of carving, you’ll be captivated by the craftsmanship and precision on display. Learn about the cultural significance behind each design and the tools used, all while soaking in the creative atmosphere of our workshop.

Come and be inspired by the rich tradition of wood carving at Ka Uri, where art, culture, and craftsmanship come together.

At Ka Uri, we honour the deep connection between people and wood, and invite you to discover the joy of crafting timeless treasures with your own hands. Join us and bring your creative vision to life, while preserving the traditions of the past.

Kauri

In the beginning, life could not exist in the world. Our primordial parents – Rangi (sky) and Papa (earth) – clung tightly together inhibiting light from entering the world. Caught within their embrace, their children grew frustrated, until Tāne (the forest) pushed upward breaking his parents hold, enabling light into the world. Through the actions of Tāne, life eventually flourished and humankind and all other living things came into being. The connection between Tāne and humans has since shared an inextricable bond. 

For Ngāti Kuri, we continue to honour the connection of our iwi (tribe) to our divine beginnings. The kauri used by Kā Uri, hidden in the earth for over 45,000 years, is brought into the light and then formed or carved giving it new life. Its recovery continues to reinforce and celebrate the close genealogical relationship we have with Tāne. 

Ngāti Kuri is sharing these important narratives with you alongside the uniquely crafted pieces of recovered kauri for all to discover and enjoy.