Creative ID: 658
Moerewa, Kawakawa, Kaikohe, Whangarei
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I have been teaching raranga for 40 plus years. I have participated in marae, whānau, hapū, iwi, and community projects throughout Aotearoa. I hold a senior academic staff position at a local tertiary education institute and currently deliver the raranga strand of the Bachelor’s Māori Arts degree.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with
I have designed artwork for Te Hononga, Hundertvasser Centre in Kawakawa. I am one of eight weavers who participated in the Te Awe project, Auckland Museum, provenance to fibre artefacts to give students easier access to taonga held in museums. I worked with senior students at Te Rangi Awiwaniwa Kura, teaching raranga tatua for kapa haka uniforms. I curated an exhibition for biannual Ngati Hine Festival for several years, and the children from schools throughout Ngati Hine and adults displayed works in Te Maara a Hineamaru exhibition.
Whariki Wānanga were held at several marae throughout Aotearoa teaching the art of whariki making with all age groups. Nga Toi classes held term 2, 2021 with a local Kura, , learning Nga Toi Maori, whakairo, raranga and rauangi.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
The learning that takes place for myself and those I teach – I am always so humbled working with our mokopuna and rangatahi. It gives me great satisfaction that I have the opportunity to pass on the practice of ngā mahi ā te whare pora handed down from our tupuna and that those I teach are our succession plan to continue the practice for future generations. The practice of wānanga always gives me the opportunity to deliver in an environment that is safe for all ages. I am able to share what is the norm for me in my practice and life. Teaching values and principles underpinning who we are and laying a solid foundation for our future.
I have worked with all age groups – mokopuna love to play and all the senses kick in, e.g. coordination, music, and making taonga that have a significant connection to papatūānuku. Rangatahi are encouraged to learn alongside mokopuna, kaumatua, and maatua, basic techniques are taught and applied and can be handed down through whānau, e.g. kapa haka kākahu, which serve many purposes in te ao Māori and all ages work as a collective to achieve and complete taonga.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
My main purpose is to ensure the continuation of Nga Toi Māori in the present and future. To transfer knowledge, skill, and practice to as many mokopuna, as they are the key to ensuring Nga Toi Māori is not lost – our succession plan. My involvement with the Creative in Schools programme will enable me to work more with our mokopuna and enhance my creative practice through the transmission of knowledge and sharing of my skill base.