Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa
Weavers
Established in 1983 as 'Aotearoa Moananui a Kiwa Weavers' by the Maori and South Pacific Arts Council (MASPAC), the organisation received tremendous interest as it sought to revive the traditional arts of weaving. The partnership of Pacific weavers and Maori saw a dynamic exploration of materials of Aotearoa and also the experimentation of materials more common in the Pacific homelands.
Due to internal funding changes, the Maori and Pacific weavers group split in 1994. Te Roopu Raranga Whatu O Aotearoa was adopted as the new organisational name.
Committee members:
Edna Pahewa - Pouwhakahaere (Tokoroa)
Christina Hurihia Wirihana - Deputy Chairperson (Rotorua)
Diana Anderson (Rotorua)
Whero O Te Rangi Bailey (Waitara)
Donna Campbell (Hamilton)
Tracey Huxford (Levin)
Life Members:
Te Aue Davis (Auckland)
Diggeress Te Kanawa (Te Kuiti)
A major feature of the organisation's programmes has been the indigenous weavers network throughout the Pacific Rim. The National Weavers Symposium at Papakura Marae Auckland in 1993 was a significant reference point for the weavers and involved a large number of international guests.
The Weavers National Hui is now held biennially. At this time members elect new committee members and share progress and developments within Maori weaving techniques.
Membership is open to all and a subscription fee entitles members to updated information in publications such as the weavers' newsletter and regional workshops, forums and exhibitions.
A recent partnership with Manaaki Whenua trust has involved the systematic testing of fibre quality of traditional weaving materials. The maintenance and supply of the materials is an integral component of the organisation's philosophies.
A key element in the resurgence and strength of weaving has been the development of a new generation of teachers of weaving in the tertiary institutions of the country.
Examples of weaving skills are highly prized within the decorated meeting houses of the country. A strong element of the weaving designs, forms and skills have influenced contemporary fashion in New Zealand.
Te Roopu Raranga Whatu this year will publish a newsletter and a history of the organisation. An international touring exhibition called 'Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread' opened in February 2004 at PATAKA Museum in Porirua.
Click here for the latest committee news and arts updates.
