Whakairo is the traditional Māori art of carving, which holds significant cultural importance in New Zealand. It involves creating intricate designs on wood, stone, and bone, often depicting ancestral figures, stories, and symbols that reflect the history and beliefs of the Māori people. The carvings are commonly found on meeting houses (wharenui), canoes (waka), and other important structures. Each piece of whakairo tells a story and serves as a way to preserve and share the rich heritage of the Māori culture, connecting past generations with the present.