Frequently asked questions
Curious about Ocarina Puoro? Have a read through our FAQ's below. If you have any further questions email us at aunty@konei.nz
Is Ocarina Puoro a traditional instrument?
Kāo, the Ocarina Puoro isn't your typical Māori musical treasure (taonga puoro). Created by Māori musician, designer and 3D fabricator Jesse Armstrong, this funky flute is a modern twist, a 3D-printed wonder embellished with kowhaiwhai designs. It's a mashup of old and new, blending tech with a playful vibe to dive into the art of making sweet sounds. Indigenous communities worldwide, spanning eras, have their special vessel flutes with unique names and meanings close to their hearts.
What is an Ocarina?
An Ocarina is a type of vessel flute known by names like Sweet Potato and Globular Flute today. The term "Ocarina" was created in the early 1800s and is not of indigenous origin. If you want to delve deeper into the history of the Ocarina, click on this link - https://www.ocarina.co.uk/about-ocarinas/
What does the word puoro mean?
From the two kupu Māori Pu: a vessel and Oro: a sound - Puoro refers to a vessel that creates sound, an instrument. The term Puoro has been given a lot of careful thought, discussion and consideration over the past years as the revival of traditional matauranga (knowledge) about puoro has come about. This means that people and groups may have differing associations with the word, its definition and its use. In this context, we are referring to the interpretation of Pu and Oro - a vessel that creates sound.
Why the fusion of different ideas into one product?
We chose the Ocarina for this kaupapa because it is a beautifully sounding instrument and we wanted to give people a really awesome musical experience.
What is Ocarina Puoro made from? And is it safe to use?
The Ocarina Puoro is made from 100% PLA plant-based bioplastic, considered safe for food contact and blowing against your lips. This material is sourced from renewable natural origins such as corn starch and tapioca, free from petroleum-based elements, making our Ocarina environmentally friendly. Moreover, bioplastic is industrially compostable, enabling composting through waste management systems. Businesses are currently investigating ways to enhance filament for better environmental sustainability and recyclability, indicating positive advancements in this area.
What is the meaning within the kowhaiwhai pattern?
The patterns draw inspiration from a whai (stingray) - a revered creature in Te Moana nui a Kiwa symbolizing protection, cleverness, and flexibility. Just like the graceful movement of the stingray in water, our breath creates airflow for the Ocarina, resulting in a harmonious and melodious sound.
How about the waste, what happens to it?
All waste materials are repurposed to produce 100% recycled plastic panels by the committed team at Critical Design. Operating just down the road in Manukau, Critical Design NZ converts recycled plastics into stunning panels for customized office and retail interiors. We gather our waste and send it their way!
How and where are Ocarina Puoro made?
Ocarina Puoro are created and 3D printed in Aotearoa (New Zealand) by the Vaka team located in Manukau (South Auckland). The 4 Seasons series are printed using a unique iridescent gradient filament called PLA Silk (100% bioplastic), giving them that cool gradient colour effect. The Dark and Light series are printed using PLA Matte, this material diffuses the light that hits its surface giving a smooth and sophisticated modern finish.
Who is vaka and what do they do?
Vaka is a company of self-taught creative entrepreneurs focusing on introducing Māori and Pasifika people to STEAM & Entrepreneurship through powerful education experiences. www.vaka.co.nz
How about the colours and names?
The first release of Ocarina Puoro was inspired by the 4 Seasons, the colourways are Raumati (Summer) which is orange-yellow, Ngahuru (Autumn) which is pink-blue, Kōanga (Spring) which is green-blue and Hōtoke (Winter) which is purple-black. The Dark and Light series are Pango - black and Mā - white.
What is the Ocarina Puoro Sponsorship Campaign?
In 2023 we ran a sponsorship campaign to enable us to get technology into the hands of as many tamariki across Aotearoa as possible, sparking creativity and intrigue in the up and coming generation. The campaign is centered around gifting sets of the Ocarina Puoro to nominated classrooms. Though we are not actively running the campaign now, we will always take on new sponsors, and match them with our waitlist of nominees. Why? Tech and education should be accessible to all tamariki across Aotearoa! We know that tamariki and kura can experience culture, music and tech all in one with the Ocarina Puoro. And it's an awesome opportunity for businesses to give back to their communities. What is a Sponsor? A sponsor financially commits to the sponsorship of Ocarina Puoro sets Sponsors can choose which kura to support or let us match them with a nominated kura in the same area. They will be contacted once matched with a kura and updated on how their kura is going Sponsors will be acknowledged via our social media and email Nominees Are kura and classrooms nominated by the public Not all nominations are guaranteed a sponsorship - but we'll try our best! Once matched with a sponsor, the successful kura will be contacted and their sponsored pack(s) sent out to them. Ocarina Puoro packs are sent out to kura across Aotearoa And then we share your progress with your sponsor. Keen to sponsor? Email aunty@konei.nz
