Weaving a shared journey of growth

What began as an opportunity to learn something new for Riri (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngā Rauru Kītahi, Pākehā) and Rich Rio (Kuki Airani, Ngāti Maniapoto) grew into a journey of confidence, deeper connection to te ao Māori, and a shared sense of purpose as husband and wife.

Having both studied at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa over the years, they are no strangers to studying together. Inspired by whānau and friends who weave and wanting to continue that shared journey, they recently completed Kāwai Raupapa - Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art - Weaving.

For Riri, it was discovering a creative side she did not think she had. “I never thought I had one ounce of artistic talent in me,” she says, reflecting on how her confidence grew throughout the programme.

For Rich, it was about understanding the process. “Once you know a process, how easy it then becomes. I can see an ara and fix my problems and make a kete.”

Learning side by side has not always been easy.

“It’s hard,” Riri says. “Especially when one of us is a natural artist and the other one is a weave-by-numbers girl.”

Balancing study with busy lives and preparing for noho took commitment. Finding time to complete projects was also a challenge. But within those challenges came something valuable.

“In our busy lives we get to spend time together. Whether it’s in the garage prepping and dyeing or getting excited about what we are going to learn next,” Riri says.

For Rich, the experience goes beyond the mahi.

“It’s the connection we get from it, with each other and Papatūānuku, learning karakia and all the tikanga involved.”

Over time, their reasons for enrolling became something deeper.

“At the beginning we were asked what our why was. Mine was to spend time with my wife and daughter and learn to make a kete. But we have learnt so much more than that,” Rich says.

For Riri, the journey has deepened her connection to te ao Māori.

“It means being connected to our taiao and delving further into te ao Māori, stretching my knowledge of toi Māori and growing into a weaver. It’s something that felt far-fetched a year ago, and now I can see that growth.”

Supporting each other has been central to their journey.

“It’s a lot of patience,” they say. “It’s about holding each other up when it gets hard, frustrating or tiring.”

Looking ahead, both hope to give back in their own ways. For Riri, that means passing on what she has learned to others, while for Rich, weaving has become a space to slow down and find balance.

Their advice for other couples or whānau thinking about studying together comes from that shared experience.

“We encourage everyone to step outside of their normal. Take the opportunity to explore an environment that’s different from what you know and that you are comfortable in. First steps are hard but so rewarding.”

Find out more about our raranga programmes.