Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa​​

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Māori weaving is a popular art form that brings people and other art forms together. ​
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TRRWOA committee

Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa was established in 1983 as the national collective of Māori weavers. The collective aspires to be the organisation of first choice for all matters relating to the techniques and tikanga of raranga.

Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa nurtures, develops and preserves the techniques and tikanga of raranga, whatu and taniko in traditional and model contexts.

Members are spread through the country and are part of an international network of weavers who convey a strong and articular voice for indigenous weaving.

Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa is represented by an elected board of six members. They work to promote weavers and weaving at national and international level through exhibitions, publications, workshops and art exchanges.

The biennial Weavers National Hui is a significant event that attracts weavers from Aotearoa and abroad. Through the kaupapa of weaving, the hui represents a unified international fellowship.

Committee Members:
Paula Rigby (Chairperson)
Te Hemo Ata Henare (Deputy Chair)
Julz Nonoa, Ruth Port, Hinekura Smith, Edna Pahewa
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Mission:
To nurture, develop and preserve the techniques and tikanga of Raranga, whatu and taniko in traditional and modern contexts for Māori weavers.
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Vision:
Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa aspires to be the organisation of first choice for all matters relating to the techniques and tikanga of raranga.
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Strategic Objectives:

• Retain and maintain the intellectual property rights of Toi Raranga Whatu
• Continue to uphold and maintain Toi Raranga Whatu
• Ensure the biennial National Hui continues to meet the needs of weavers in collaboration with the host committee
• Convene wānanga that contributes to the transference of knowledge
• Initiate and maintain international linkages through hosting hui, symposiums and conferences for indigenous weavers
• Maintain working relationships with indigenous weavers throughout Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa, the Pacific.
• Initiate, support and participate in exhibitions locally, nationally and internationally
• Assist conservators, curators and practitioners to maintain the integrity of Toi Raranga Whatu
• Actively participate with issues of conservation, research, and cultivation of natural resources and use of other materials
• Actively promote, encourage and participate in weaver’s publications and documentaries that contribute to the retention of knowledge
• Be responsive to approaches from external stakeholders
• Promote, encourage and maintain current membership
  

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Past Weavers National Hui

List of Aotearoa Moananui A Kiwa Weavers: Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa National Hui:

1983    Pakirikiri Marae, Tokomaru Bay
1985    Kokohinau Marae, Te Teko
1987    Tunuhopu, Rotorua
1989    Nga mahi a Kui Ma, Greymouth
1991    Omaka Marae, Blenheim
1993    Parihaka Marae, Parikaha
1993    Pacific Rim Symposium, Te Ngira Marae, Papakura
1995    Te Reo Nihi marae, Te Haapua
1997    Takahanga Marae, Kaikohe
1999    Pakirikiri Marae, Tokomaru Bay
2001    Kokohinau Marae, Te Teko
2003    Awhitu Marae, Palmerston North
2005    Owae Marae, Waitara
2007    Maraenui Marae, Maraenui
2009    Takitimu Marae, Wairoa
2010    Iwi Symposium, Rotorua
2011    Maketu Marae, Kawhia
2013    Rautahi Marae, Kawerau
2015    Roma Marae, Ahipara
2017    Te Waititi Marae, Rotoiti, Rotorua
2019    Ngā Hau e Wha Marae, Wainoni, Christchurch

Other Māori art forms:
Carving | Music | Performing Arts | Tā Moko | Tikanga | Visual Arts | Waka | Weaving | Māori Writing