Exhibition on marae first for East Coast raranga tauira
Tauira Erana Keelan with her Aunty Bubby (left) and Nanny Ramari Nepia (right).
A desire to share knowledge on marae up the coast resulted in the first exhibition at Rāhui Marae for Talei Teariki’s Level 4 and 5 Raranga tauira recently. Titled ‘Waiapu’, the exhibition featured weavers from Rangitukia, Ruatōrea, Waipiro, Tikitiki, Te Araroa, Hicks Bay and Te Karaka. It was held over three days in November, and was the first opportunity most of these tauira have had to display their mahi. The remote location in Tikitiki – approx 1.5 hours up the coast from Gisborne – leant itself perfectly to the displays of kete (bag), pīkau (backpack), pōtae (hat), tuwhara (2-panel mat), and tarapouahi (shawl).
The unique environment of Rāhui Marae has been a key in this learning experience. Surrounded by the beauty of nature and without distractions commonly associated with a campus in a city, tauira have been able to immerse themselves in their mahi.
“There are many challenges up here, no computers or printers, and people live here for a reason – to be off grid – but it’s been humbling to be allowed in to teach and learn,” Talei says. “I’ve learnt as much from them [the tauira] as they have from me”.
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
These tauira knew each other beforehand, but now the bond between them is strong like the whenu used in their pieces. They are like sisters to each other – when they get together to weave, they all get together. The deep connections they have made with each other are shown in the awhi they have been able to show each other in times of crisis.
It’s likely that some of these tauira would not have pursued learning raranga if the opportunity to learn close to home was not available. Home is home after all. Talei hopes that eventually there will be enough knowledge and experience, for any marae on the coast to put out a call for whāriki and have that call answered, perhaps by one of these exhibitors.
For many of the tauira, raranga is seen as an honour and a privilege to learn, and eventually pass on to others. It brings back memories of their parents, and their nans. The opportunity to show off their work, to their whānau and friends, in the space where they’ve done their learning has been an unmatched privilege and blessing.
Pūrongo whakahirahira
Featured stories
Cambridge Museum project guided by wānanga tikanga studies
Cambridge Museum manager, Elizabeth Harvey, is combining her tikanga studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa with her passion for local history, to support the museum’s Voices of Cambridge project.
Wānanga launches first of their kind mātauranga Māori certificates, marking a new era for Indigenous knowledge education
Responding to the growing needs and aspirations of tauira, iwi and communities, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is breaking new ground with the launch of 2 new Level 4 certificates that will be the first standalone programmes of their kind in Aotearoa.
Learning tikanga to strengthen community work
After making the move to Aotearoa in 2014 from Germany, Almaz Bergz set out to gain a better understanding of the people, whenua, and culture that shape life here.
Thriving as a kaiako after He Korowai Ākonga
When Marlena Martin began her studies in He Korowai Ākonga – Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) in 2023, she never imagined where it would take her and how much she would grow as an individual.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa launches new international reo Māori learning
iReo is a flexible, self-directed, online short course made up of 5 standalone modules, each running over 6 weeks. Learners can study at their own pace, weaving te reo Māori into everyday life alongside work, whānau, and other commitments.
Wānanga business programme helps launch The Dog Nanny
Ōtautahi local Jane Dungey turned her passion for animals into The Dog Nanny after completing the Certificate in Small Business at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
From closed doors to open pathways
After the closure of Grace Foundation Whanganui, Craig Kara used his Manaaki Tāngata studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to create Te Ara Kimihia, a kaupapa supporting tāne toward positive futures. His journey of healing, leadership, and transformation now inspires others to find their own pathway forward.
Governance grounded in te ao Māori for future generations
Discover how Māori governance grounded in te ao Māori is shaping future generations. Learn about Manu Taiko – Toro Parirau, a unique programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that empowers whānau with tikanga-based leadership and decision-making skills.
Companion of Te Apārangi, Champion of Te Reo Māori
Te Rita Papesch, musician, educator, and kapa haka stalwart, has been inducted as a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discover her inspiring journey of music, haka, and te reo Māori, and how her lifelong dedication to Māori culture shaped generations.
Keil Caskey – former tauira, now kaiako
Keil Caskey’s journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa shows the transformative power of toi Māori education. Discover how his passion for taonga pūoro and commitment to whānau and whakapapa inspired him to teach and give back to his community.
Building confidence, careers, and culture through Māori performing arts
Discover how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Certificate in Māori Performing Arts goes beyond kapa haka, empowering tauira with skills in drama, screen acting, and public speaking. Hear how graduates like Niquita Samuel are building confidence, careers, and cultural pride.
Making connections between media and Māoritanga
Lizzie Dunn created Te Arawhata to help people reconnect with te ao Māori through media, resources, and kōrero. Discover how her reo journey and passion for sharing knowledge are inspiring thousands to embrace Māoritanga and strengthen cultural connections.