Whaotapu are a collective of Tohunga Toi Ake who have been recognised and mandated by their tribes for generations. Acknowledged as traditional knowledges holders, experts, and authorities of Māori art, culture, heritage, Whaotapu are supported by mana whenua whānau, hapū, iwi, matawaka, and communities across Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa, weaving people together through a kaupapa that is both transformative and enduring.

The Mana Whenua Puawaitanga and Launch of Whaotapu occurred in 2014, when Mana Whenua Rangatira and Kaumatua of Tāmaki Makaurau, and hapū, iwi of Aotearoa, gathered together in honour of the historical kaupapa of bringing the Tohunga Toi Ake together as a collective. Mana Whenua acknowledged and affirmed the whakapapa of nga Tohunga to their hapū and iwi. They gave an ingoa, a name to the collective, namely ‘Whaotapu’, the ‘Sacred Chisels’. Mana Whenua agreed that to futureproof the legacy of Tohunga Toi Ake, they would support Whaotapu to preserve and protect of the ancient first language of Māori - Toi.

The collective of Tohunga is now supported by Nga Whaotapu o Tāmaki Makaurau Trust, formally established to provide governance, strategic direction, management support, public trust, validity and accountability to its kaupapa - Toi.