Maihi

Long planks acting as facing boards for the front gable of the house. Maihi usually have a carved raparapa section at the lower end and their upper parts are are often carved on the lower third or half, or are painted with kowhaiwhai patterns. Some maihi are completely covered with carving. They are shaped with a longitudinal flange at the back near the lower edge termed a papawai. The upper ends are cut obliquely to form a vertical join at the gable apex. A slot on this edge helps form an opening for fixing the kōruru into position