Rotorua broadcaster Jean Abley interviews Mr P.H. Leonard M.B.E., J.P., about the establishment of the New Zealand Institute of Māori Arts and Crafts at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua.
Mr Leonard is the first director of Arts and Crafts Institute and chairman of the Te Arawa Māori Trust Board.
He talks about the promotion of Māori arts and the tourism potential of the institute. He says although it is a Rotorua institution, it belongs to all Maori and trainees will be welcomed from all over the country.
He says the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people have given full support to the institute being established on their lands.
He comments on recent vandalism and deterioration of some of the buildings in Whakarewarewa Village, which is very serious. The institute will work to replace damaged carvings once it is up and running.