How to make a whare wētā (weta house)

Step one
On the stringer, cut two parallel 35-degree cuts 240mm apart. The angle cut at the top allows rainwater to run off; the bottom one prevents rainwater from hanging at the opening.

Step two
For the viewing door, make a cut 8-10mm in from the wide edge, cut three-quarters of the way down the piece of wood. Then cut the door piece off with a taper of 25 degrees (to keep the door locked in place when closed).

Step three
Drill a 14-16mm entrance hole in the bottom. Mark out the negative space in the wood, then use a drill, chisel and hammer to carve it out (but not too smooth as wētā needs something to attach itself to).

Step four
With the door in place, drill and attach a screw at the bottom left corner. For the door pin, drill a downward angled hole in the top right corner of the door through to the main body of the whare. Make it big enough to fit a nail.

Finally, make a hole through the top for looping wire or string so you can hang your whare wētā in a tree. Paint the top to stop moisture from getting into the grain of the wood.