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Kōrero: Kites and manu tukutuku

How to make a manu taratahi

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How to make a manu taratahi

Follow these instructions to make a triangular child’s kite:

Figure 1: Lay the feathered toetoe stalks on top of the unfeathered stalk as shown. Bind the stalks together with string.
Figure 2: Lace together dry raupō leaves in groups of six. Start at the wide end of the frame and tie the string to the middle stalk, then lace the leaves as shown. Tie off after the sixth leaf. Repeat this on the side stalks. Continue lacing groups of six until finished.
Figure 3: Balance the centre of the kite on a broom and trim the leaves. Attach the bridle.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

by Bruce Mahalski

Source: Bob Maysmor, The Māori kite: te manu tukutuku. Wellington: Steele Roberts, 2001, pp. 104–106

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Bob Maysmor, Kites and manu tukutuku – Types of Māori kite, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/diagram/5294/how-to-make-a-manu-taratahi (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Bob Maysmor, i tāngia i te 2 March 2009.

Comments

Lauren
02 July 2011
Awesome
Robert
26 July 2010
Hi this is robert from room 5 i have never seen anything like that in my life
kaitao
26 July 2010
wow never seen anything like it