Mau rākau is a general term referring to the skilled use of weapons.

Regular schools are held on Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua to teach the use of the taiaha.

[2] One of those is actor Cliff Curtis, who attended a Mau Rakau taiaha programme on Mokoia Island at the age of 10.

Curtis was like a son to Mohi, and helped him out whenever he could at programmes in prisons and the community.

[1] Other Māori weapons: It is said weapons including the taiaha and patu were handed down by Tāne, god of the forest and Tū, god of war, the two sons of Rangi-nui and Papatūānuku.