Skip Content
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with wahakura

When Hemi May Kelly was studying towards her Maunga Kura Toi (Raranga) degree at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa she never imagined she’d be creating something for the first child of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

But that’s how things turned out last week, when the Prime Minister was called on to Kai-A-Te-Mata Marae on the outskirts of her hometown of Morrinsville.

Among the gifts presented to Jacinda by Ngāti Hauā were a pounamu taonga shaped like a waka called Te Ara Hou as a symbol of guidance and a wahakura named Tau te Rangimarie, meaning ‘may there be peace’.

Hemi May says it was a huge honour to be asked to create the wahakura for such an important person. She has made plenty of wahakura before, but none have received so much attention.

Her husband is from Kai-A-Te-Mata and his uncle is the marae chairman and Hemi-May says it was a real privilege.

 “It was really awesome.”

She says it usually takes two days to create a wahakura, with the biggest challenge finding the time among her other commitments.

“I’ve made quite a few now, Most times I do the prep in one go and the weaving in one go.”

And - as the Prime Minster can attest – Hemi May is very good at what she does.

Hemi-May graduated with her Maunga Kura Toi degree in 2017 after studying at the Rāhui Pōkeka campus and says studying raranga was about her own personal growth.

“I was doing a degree at Waikato University and the tutor suggested Maunga Kura Toi. The university degree was more about career but Maunga Kura Toi was about developing my skills for my own worth. It was something I wanted to do for myself.”

 Back to news & events

Published On:

Article By:



Other Articles

  • 22 October 2025

    From the bush to a PhD - Fabian's journey of faith, family, and learning

    Fabian C Mika’s journey from the ngahere of Rūātoki to earning a PhD is a powerful story of faith, whānau, and mātauranga Māori. Discover how his passion for Ringatū, te reo Māori, and education led to academic success and a legacy of learning for future generations.

  • 20 October 2025

    Mahi toi exhibitions 2025

    From raranga to whakairo, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa toi tauira are showcasing their mahi toi in free exhibitions across Aotearoa from September to November 2025. Discover stunning works of Māori art and creativity, and celebrate the journey of tauira from certificate to degree level.

  • 15 October 2025

    Building a beauty brand through education and drive

    At just 21, Maata Morrell-Dzilic is building a thriving beauty brand with the support of business education from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her passion, determination, and study in small business and project management are fuelling her entrepreneurial success.

  • 08 October 2025

    From paddling to politics: a journey for reo, rights and representation

    Bevan O’Connor’s journey from waka ama to the political stage is powered by his passion for te reo Māori and Māori rights. Discover how his studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and deep connection to te ao Māori are shaping his campaign for the Takitimu Māori Ward.