Toi Māori Wānanga

Through the support of Creative New Zealand, Rangitāne o Wairau launched a Toi Māori kaupapa dedicated to revitalising and strengthening our traditions of raranga and whatu while creating meaningful opportunities for whānau to reconnect with culture, mātauranga, and one another.

The kaupapa began with a planning hui at Tuamātene Marae, where whānau came together to help shape the vision, direction, and aspirations of the project. Under the guidance of esteemed weavers Nanny Marg Bond and Nell Kelly, participants discussed upcoming harvesting opportunities, preparation days, and weaving wānanga, while sharing ideas about how the kaupapa could best serve current and future generations of Rangitāne whānau.

Since then, a dedicated rōpū of whānau has continued to gather through a series of wānanga focused on developing skills in raranga and whatu. The project welcomes all levels of experience, from accomplished kairaranga through to those taking their first steps in weaving. Through these gatherings, knowledge has been shared, relationships strengthened, and confidence grown amongst participants.

A key aspiration of the project is the creation of a collection of korowai and kākahu that will be available for Rangitāne whānau to wear during significant life events and milestones. These taonga are being created not only as garments, but as expressions of whakapapa, identity, and collective effort.

One of the highlights of the project to date has been a harvesting haerenga into the alpine regions of our tribal rohe to gather tikumu (mountain daisy), a highly valued traditional weaving material. Guided by Nanny Marg Bond and Nell Kelly, and supported by experienced weavers and knowledge holders, whānau learnt about the identification, cultural significance, harvesting practices, and preparation processes associated with this taonga species.

The harvesting experience provided an opportunity for participants to reconnect with the whenua while learning customary practices that have been passed down through generations. Following the haerenga, the harvested materials were processed and prepared for incorporation into the korowai and kākahu currently being woven by the rōpū.

Alongside the practical weaving skills being developed, the kaupapa has created opportunities for intergenerational learning, strengthened cultural identity, fostered new connections between whānau, and encouraged the sharing of knowledge in a supportive and welcoming environment. Tamariki, rangatahi, pakeke, and kaumātua have all contributed to the journey, ensuring that the knowledge and traditions associated with raranga continue to flourish.

Looking to the Future

This is an ongoing journey, and there is still much to come.

As additional wānanga, harvesting trips, and preparation days take place, we will continue to update this page with photos, videos, and stories that capture the progress of the kaupapa. We encourage whānau and supporters to check back regularly and follow the journey as these taonga continue to take shape.

Upon completion, Rangitāne o Wairau intends to bring the entire project together through a celebration and exhibition at Ukaipō. This event will provide an opportunity for whānau and the wider community to view the completed works, hear the stories behind their creation, acknowledge the many hands that have contributed to the kaupapa, and celebrate together through hākari.

Beyond the exhibition, our vision is for these taonga to continue serving our people for many generations to come. A formal korowai policy will be developed to guide the care, management, and use of the completed garments. This will enable whānau to apply to wear the korowai and kākahu for important occasions such as graduations, weddings, significant cultural events, and other milestones where the presence of these taonga can uplift and celebrate whānau achievement.

Through this kaupapa, we are not only creating korowai and kākahu. We are strengthening connections, sharing knowledge, nurturing future kairaranga, and ensuring that the traditions of our tūpuna continue to thrive within Rangitāne o Wairau for generations to come 

This kaupapa has also been supported through the leadership and coordination of Rangitāne o Wairau Toi Māori Kaikōkiri, Keelan Walker, whose commitment to revitalising and strengthening Toi Māori within our iwi has helped bring together whānau, facilitators, and opportunities for learning throughout the project.

 

Whiria te tangata. Whiria ngā taonga tuku iho. Whiria te anamata.