Skip Content
Tracey Dale

Maunga Kura Toi graduate, Tracey Dale, has been on a journey with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that has helped her reconnect with her identity and find her voice in the world through raranga.

“My study has given me pride in who I am and where I’m from. My learning has involved waiata, karakia, tikanga/kawa alongside raranga, and I’ve grown in confidence every step of the way.”

Her passion for raranga was sparked at Papaioea while studying He Pī Ka Rere in 2017. She was so captivated by the mahi toi and raranga displayed on the walls, that she enrolled in Kāwai Raupapa with Brenda Tuuta.

“I struggled at the start, but with Brenda’s encouragement I kept going. Slowly, I wove my way into a love of raranga.”

For Tracey, weaving is more than creating visually striking patterns—it is about storytelling and connection.

“People are my inspiration,” she says. “Raranga allows me to weave kōrero into my mahi, and that’s the common thread in many of my creations.”

Her final Maunga Kura Toi exhibition piece, Ngā Kete Kaitaka e Toru, embodies 3 of the core values of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa with each kete telling a unique story:

  • Te Whakapono is inspired by one of the oldest kākahu in Te Papa’s collection, reflecting a weaver’s enduring belief in the power of her mahi.
  • Te Aroha pays tribute to Tracey’s parents and their resilience, with interwoven patterns symbolising their journey and love for the sea.
  • Kotahitanga is a kete paepaeroa honouring the vision of unity held by Kiingi Tuheitia, woven with naturally dyed muka threads gifted by fellow tauira and kaiako.

Tracey credits her kaiako Adrienne Spratt for helping her refine her skills and guiding her through her final year.

“I’ve learned from one of the best weavers in Aotearoa. Adrienne has supported me through the highs and lows of my final year.”

Tracey, who is of Ngāpuhi and Scottish descent, says her learning is ongoing. She’ll continue to search for inspiration and techniques to further her skills to then share with whānau and hapū.

She’d also like to foster tuakana-teina relationships with future tauira.

“I have found my voice through raranga,” she says. “Now, I want to share what I’ve learned and ensure these traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.” 

Find out more about our Toi Māori (Art) programmes.

 Back to news & events

Published On: 07 February 2025

Article By: Gemma Bradly-Jacka



Other Articles

  • 05 September 2025

    Cooking up confidence in te reo Māori

    Āku Hapa! is a reo Māori cooking show created by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa tauira, blending kai, kōrero, and comedy. Streaming on Māori+, this series celebrates learning te reo through laughter, mistakes, and whānau connection - one delicious dish at a time.

  • 29 August 2025

    New baby brings new purpose

    Ropata Haddon’s journey through te reo Māori study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa was reignited by the birth of his child. Discover how fatherhood, kapa haka, and whānau support are helping him embed te reo and tikanga Māori into everyday life for future generations.

  • 20 August 2025

    Gain cultural confidence in the corporate world through Piharoa workshops

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Piharoa workshops empower corporate leaders with cultural confidence through mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Discover how this executive development programme fosters authentic engagement with Māori communities and transforms workplace culture.

  • 20 August 2025

    He aha tēnei mea te Tāne Māori? Tu's Rangahau journey

    Tutakangahau (Tu) Williams, recipient of the Dr Morehu McDonald Residency, shares his Rangahau journey exploring Māori masculinity and identity. Learn how his passion for reading, writing, and kaupapa Māori research is shaping his path toward a PhD and future as a kairangahau.