Te Whare Tū Taua o Aoteaora was founded by Dr Pita Sharples in the 1980s due to the renaissance of the Māori language, tikanga and to offer the ancient art of mau rākau back to Māoridom as an innovative program in physical fitness, Māori history, Māori Atua, whakapapa, confidence, leadership skills, self-discipline, respect, and all uses of the Taiaha. Te Whare Tū Taua o Waitaha is the Ōtautahi branch of Te Whare Tū Taua o Aotearoa.