Nga Tipu Raranga Mo Tua Ake , Researching Our Plant Taonga
Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa has a contract with the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) to study a broad range of plant materials used for weaving...
Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa has a contract with the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) to study a broad range of plant materials used for weaving , not just harakeke, but kuta and other reeds, kiekie, ti kouka, toi, karetu, houhere, pingao, neinei, toetoe, wi, tikumu, dye plants and others.
The research aims to:
- promote a deeper understanding of the tikanga and matauranga pertaining to the kaitiakitanga of weaving plants
- increase understanding among weavers of the biology, ecology and growing requirements of weaving plants, to help them access the best materials
- improve the resource management of valued plants and help ensure weavers' continuing access.
There are three parts to the programme:
1) An important part of this research is gathering traditional knowledge on growing, harvesting and preparation practices of weaving plants. Members of our team want to talk to kaumatua - individually or in groups - who are happy to share their knowledge about this. These people may not be weavers; but were perhaps involved in gathering and processing plants with their whanau, or remember the stories that were told.
2) Manaaki Whenua scientists will record where natural populations of weaving plants are found and write about their biology, habitats and growing requirements. They will also work with weavers to clarify issues concerning availability and access in each rohe. We would like to know about the places where plants were once gathered, but are no longer found or accessible.
3) Kiekie is arguably the most important weaving resource after harakeke, so we will study it in more detail. Cheri (Chuckie) Van Schravendijk is undertaking a MSc project on the impact of different harvesting techniques on the sustainable use of kiekie. As well as providing useful information to weavers, this study provides an opportunity for a Mäori student to gain a post-graduate science qualification.
Information gathered and agreed to by interviewees will be published by Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa for the benefit of weavers and interested parties.
The Project Team:
- Te Aue Davis (Ngati Maniapoto) - Kaitiaki Kaupapa
- Edna Pahewa (Te Arawa, Tuwharetoa) - Chairperson, Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa
- Christina Wirihana (Ngati Maniapoto-Raukawa, Te Arawa) - Deputy Chair, Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa
- Patricia Wallace (Ngati Porou) - Researcher
- Sue Scheele - Ethnobotanist, Manaaki Whenua , Landcare Research
- Cheri (Chuckie) van Schravendijk (Te Ati Haunui-a-Paparangi) - MSc Student
- Tamahou Temara (Tuhoe) , Operations Manager, Toi Maori Aotearoa
For further information, or to contact the researchers, please contact:
Toi Maori Aotearoa , Maori Arts New Zealand
PO Box 9570, Wellington
Phone: 04 801 7914 Fax: 04 801 9412
Email: admin@maoriart.org.nz
Website: http://www.maoriart.org.nz
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