Te Roopu Raranga O Whatu
Maori Weavers of New Zealand
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 O Whatu was adopted as the new organisational name.
Committee members:
- Christina Hurihia Wirihana, Chairperson
- Tracey Huxford, Deputy Chair
- Morehu Henare-Flutey
- Kahutoi Te Kanawa
- Karl Leonard
- Ruth Port
A major feature of the organisations 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. These relationships were strengthened again with the Indigenous Weavers International Symposium in Rotorua 2010.
The weavers National Hui is now held biennially. At this tiem members elect new members and share progress and developments within Maori weaving techniques.
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. Many of the courses now include the National Weavers Hui as part of the course requirements.
Membership is open to all and a subscription fee entitles members to updated information in publications and special rates for the hui and other events. This includes the weavers' newsletter, regional workshops, forums, exhibitions and hui.
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. This resulted in the book "He Rito, He Ranga", published in 2009.
Subscriptions for membership to Te Roopu Raranga O Whatu for the two year period - 1 November 2011-31 October 2012 are now open!
If you would like to become a member of Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa, please call or email Deborah Pathak in the Toi Maori office on 04 801 7914 or deborah@maoriart.org.nz
 sitting and working on a collaborative piece. Photographer unknown 2011.JPG "Christina Hurihia Wirihana")
