Skip Content
Kaiako: Laurette Madden-Morehu

Laurette Madden-Morehu
Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga A Māhaki

When Raranga kaiako Laurette Madden-Morehu recieved a kete as a seven-year old at a whānau reunion, it ignited a lifelong curiosity of mahi raranga.

Laurette still has that first plastic kete 32 years later, but has since woven kete of our own out of harakeke. Over the years she has also learned how to make kono, kete koha, kete papa, whiri kete and whatu. During her twenties and for her wedding, she made a full length kākahu using contemporary materials.

She admits despite dabbling in mahi raranga, she became more serious about the practice after studying on the Toi Paematua: Diploma in Māori and Indigenous Art (Level 5) programme in 2017. Under the tutelage of her kaiako Simi Paris (Ngāpuhi), Laurette gained a deeper appreciation for mahi raranga and whakapapa.

She explains, “It was then the connections between mahi raranga and our tūpuna were made. That has to be the biggest inspiration in my pursuit of raranga, connecting to my tūpuna and their mātauranga.”

Laurette adds that our tūpuna were so clever and ingenious, “When I learn the techniques, apply the patterns, or use the same materials, I am reminded that this mātauranga tūpuna is a blessing that I am privileged to enjoy.”

Laurette says there is so much to learn with mahi raranga. She is particular keen to learn whāriki after learning about a whāriki her mother made with others for her marae. The whāriki is now 20 years old and Laurette hopes to be help repair the taonga as a tribute to her late mother’s memory.

“To be able to put my hands on the same mahi as my mum, and to add to its longevity, so it can make it to the next generation, is something I aspire to achieve,” she says.

Laurette encourages others to pursue their own raranga journey. “Raranga has given me some amazing opportunities in life. For example, creating mahi for different kaupapa such as pēpi moenga or maaro for kapa haka. I’ve even been blessed enough to have some of my kākahu end up overseas.”

However, it is in her current role as a raranga kaiako in Hamilton, that she enjoys the most. “To be able to share with my tauira the whakapapa of our mahi tūpuna, and to see the awe in them that I experienced as a tauira is such a beautiful full-circle moment.”

Learn more or apply to study our Toi Maruata: Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art (Ngā Mahi a Te Whare Pora) (Level 3).

 Back to news & events

Published On: 13 July 2022

Article By: Emma West



Other Articles

  • 23 May 2025

    Rangatahi return to founding campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

    Rangatahi from Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha and Te Awamutu College return to the founding campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to study mahi toi through the Visual Arts Secondary Tertiary Programme.

  • 20 May 2025

    Marae-Based Research: A Vehicle for Reclamation

    Explore Kimiora Raerino’s inspiring journey from urban Māori upbringing to PhD researcher and Senior Research Fellow at Te Manawahoukura. Discover how marae-based research and māra kai became powerful tools for reconnection, cultural identity, and community wellbeing.

  • 14 May 2025

    A full circle moment from tauira to kaiako

    Explore the inspiring journey of Krystle Nikora, from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her passion for te reo Māori blossomed and led her to teach He Pī ka Rere Level 3 and 4.

  • 8 May 2025

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa introduces four new study opportunities in their Semester B offerings

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa introduces four new study programmes for Semester B, including Māori Governance, Digital Media and Design, Building and Construction Skills, and Study and Employment Skills. Designed to meet the needs of tauira, whānau, hapū, and iwi, these programmes integrate mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori perspectives. Enrol now to grow your skills and achieve your aspirations.