The group were on board to learn about poi’s whakapapa, the origins and different uses of poi.
Miss Eru said the workshop "was opening their eyes to the art of poi" and "revitalising our places", with the group also learning how to make and use poi.
Poi, a small gourd with holes which is attached to a string and twirled to create a sound like that of birds, were traditionally used by indigenous Māori to make the wrists more flexible for hand-to-hand combat and, among some iwi, were called upon by tohunga (teachers) during karakia (prayer) to help connect the spiritual and physical worlds.
The poi tradition continues today, preserved by women in kapa haka groups.
Traditionally the ball was made of raupō leaves.
The first-time workshop was a school holiday event collaboration between the Forrester Gallery and Waitaki District Libraries.
