Ipu (Bowls)

We responded to a request from our medical staff wanting to ensure they could, in a culturally safe manner, provide the necessary vessels for the proper care of tūpāpaku, in our Nelson and Wairau Hospitals sites.

The Care Foundation funded four beautifully carved Ipu on stands, sourced, blessed and dedicated for their purpose under the guidance of the Hospital Maori Advisory Team.

Honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tikanga Maori values, these Ipu are essential when caring for tūpāpaku so whanau visiting the body have somewhere to cleanse their hands to remove tapu. The Ipu are made from oak and resin and were handcrafted locally by Ataahua Toi Creations.