Kia ora. This auction is for a unique handcrafted wooden flute, or Koauau. I was previously making these Taonga Puoro in Waiomu, on the Thames coast, but I have now moved to Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty. I have been crafting these Taonga since 1997.

This Koauau is handcarved from hard, close-grained Maple wood, and is fire-hardened inside. It is 180mm long x 38mm wide, with a bore of 20mm. The bore has been done from both ends rather than by one long drilling. This gives increased width in the middle making a deeper, clearer tone. It is finished naturally with rubbed Kauri gum and polished with NZ beeswax and avocado oil. There are no artificial finishes applied. The playing holes are spaced by the traditional method, and each varies in size, with the smallest at the top and the largest at the bottom for optimum sound, however this koauau can also be played from both ends if wished.

A tipsheet is include for those new to playing Taonga Puoro, and this taonga has been crafted over several days to be played and enjoyed, rather than just admired on a shelf.