Kia Ora and welcome to Hinemihi
Hinemihi of the old world (Hinemihi o te Ao Tawhito), is the only historic Maori meeting house (whare nui) in the United Kingdom and one of only a handful outside of New Zealand. The meeting house bears the name of a female tribal ancestor who lived in pre-European times and so is often referred to as "she". The meeting house is a spiritual symbol of nobility; a ‘living link’ with the past and a reminder that life goes on.
Today Hinemihi lives at Clandon Park, Surrey. She was carved in 1880/81 in the shadow of volcanic Mt. Tarawera in New Zealand’s North Island, close to the town of Rotorua. Hinemihi is a fine example of 19th-century Maori carving and architecture. She was carved by two of Maoridom’s expert carvers (tohunga whakairo) – Wero Taroi and Tene Waitere.
© Alan Gallop/ Hinemihi Collection
A Hinemihi restoration project group has been setup to restore the meeting house to her original glory for the benefit of current and future generations. The group includes present-day descendents of the tribes who originally created Hinemihi, London's Maori community, University College London and the National Trust.
Find out more about the history of Hinemihi and her future, then let us know what you think we should do to restore this unique symbol that stands in Clandon Park.
What do you think?
Please let us know your thoughts about Hinemihi’s future by emailing us.
© Alan Gallop/ Hinemihi Collection
Further reading
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