Spencer – A Case Study Sabbatical Report, Bruce Pagan, July 2009 In support of cultural participation

It’s just comforting – it feels normal to be here. (Italics are Spencers words)

It’s like a second home – it’s pretty much ok – I can do anything here.

The whole marae just runs through our family – my ancestors founded this marae.

They all did special things for our people like building the marae, signing the Treaty and helping the people out.

At first I didn’t know much about carving and dad introduced Uncle Cliff to me (Cliff Whiting).

At first I wasn’t into it – then Dad asked me to sweep up – then I was allowed to draw the lines for cutting the wood.

Then Uncle Cliff began to show me some carving techniques like drawing and carving a face.

Cliff recognised that I was interested – I didn’t go away even when I was sweeping up.

Then he showed me a few tips now and then and he let me start on some of the big projects.

When he stays here he gives us overnight sessions like reading and learning about Te Reo and then he tells us stories.

We have to tell it back to him to make sure we are listening to him.

It’s fun to carve with him and it reminds me how lucky I am – my Mum’s Koro (Mum’s Dad) waited about 40 years till he could work with a master carver.

Cliff is one of the real master carvers in NZ and it’s a pleasure and a real honour to carve with him.

Cliff gives me the opportunity to show people about everything and I am able to tell people about the stories that go with each carving.

Working with Cliff and listening to him teaches me heaps. I can see how he looks at things and how he can change things as he goes on.

And I acknowledge the qualities that we recognise and have watched being developed in Spencer – the ability to listen; to make informed decisions; to synthesise information from various sources in a mature and logical manner....

Skills of personal integrity....

of honesty compassion and respectfulness...

of a mature and confident young man who has benefited immensely from an active and positive participation in significant cultural activities who is prepared for the future. ©Bruce Pagan, 32 Hastings Street, Kaikoura 2009