Edna Pahewa
"Weaving is a strong link with my past. My kuia (female elders), mother and sister who were all my teachers have now passed on. Being taught by the best means you give your best."
"Weaving has been part of my life for many years. My kuia Ngatai Bubb, my mother Emily Schuster and my twin sister Dawn are among the many who have been my teachers and mentors."
Edna Porena Pahewa is head weaver at Te Puia in Rotorua. Her tribal affiliations link to Te Arawa, Tuwharetoa, Tuhourangi, Ngati Wahiao, and Ngati Umutahi. She is also Chairperson of Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa, the national collective of weavers.
Edna is the daughter of renowned weaver, Emily Schuster, who founded the weaving school at Te Puia (formerly The Maori Arts and Crafts Institute). The mantle was then handed to Edna's twin sister, Dawn Smith, and then on to Edna herself.
Edna previously taught weaving at Te Papa o Te Aroha and later at Te Wananga o Aotearoa, both in Tokoroa.
"I look forward to the continued success and development of our work as Maori weavers, and our kaupapa to nuture, preserve and develop the techniques and tikanga of raranga, whatu and taniko in traditional and modern contexts for Maori weavers."
Links
Edna is an exhibiting artist in 'Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread' exhibition at the Burke Museum in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Read more about 'Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread' international touring exhibition of Maori weaving.
Edna Pahewa profile on the Te Puia website
Read more about The New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, part of Te Puia, in Rotorua