Rob Thorne Porotiti Mindfulness Workshop & Performance

600 students meditate on the sound of Taonga Puoro.

On October the 16th selected students were able to participate in a porotiti/mindfulness workshop with guest Rob Thorne,(Ngāti Tumutumu), Composer, Performer, Anthropologist. 

The porotiti is a traditional Māori musical instrument also known to be used in traditional healing. Suspended by a cord, and spun with both hands in front of the body, it is renowned as a children’s toy and was known to be medicine for the respiratory system, the chest and spine, the spirit and the mind.

The simple act of playing the porotiti is a meditation. 

In the afternoon all Tahuna students were invited to a performance of Taonga Pūoro in the hall which included a breathing meditation and a sonic meditation made by the instruments.

"Using modern loop technology and traditional Māori flutes and horns made from stone, bone, shell and wood, Rob creates a transcendent aural experience that touches the soul with timeless beauty. 

Thorne has successfully re-imagined and reconstructed traditional Māori instrumental music for the 21st century." - NZ Musician