Ngā Toi Harakeke
TUITUI Gallery | 7 October -30 November 2026
Ngā Toi Harakeke works alongside wāhine Māori who are seeking to reconnect with their culture, identity, and whakapapa. Harakeke is the kākano that nurtures and grows that connection.
Over three months, wāhine come together through a series of noho wānanga, learning the traditional skills and knowledge required to create a maro.
Using traditional materials and techniques, the process becomes more than weaving, it is a journey of reconnection, where the knowledge of the past is brought into the present.
Each year our participants choose a name that reflects their collective journey. This year, the rōpū chose Te Piringa. For them, Te Piringa represents the safe and supportive space created throughout the programme; a place where wāhine can learn, make mistakes, grow in confidence, and build meaningful connections with themselves and each other.
The pieces featured in this exhibition are deeply personal. Each maro carries its own kōrero, with colours, adornments, and design choices reflecting the experiences, aspirations, and stories of the kai raranga. Together, these works showcase not only the skill and creativity of the makers, but also the strength, resilience, and connection that have been woven throughout their journey.
