15 Oketopa, 2024

Weaving is an essential way that we keep our stories alive.

If you think about the whariki and tukutuku panels that grace our marae or important buildings. Or perhaps the taniko earrings that sweep from delicate earlobes. The intricately woven kete that can complete an outfit in just the right way. Or the more rudimental ones used to bring in pipi from the ocean and kumara from the garden. Each of these pieces can tell a story.

This week the Toi Exhibition opened at the Whakatāne campus for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to showcase the mahi of up-and-coming weavers. One such weaver is Ngāti Awa uri Robin Te Aotonga.

We talked to her ahead of the exhibition opening and this is what she had to say:

Ko Taranaki me Kapu-te-Rangi ngā maunga

Ko Tangahoe me Ohinemataroa ngā awa

Ko Aotea me Mataatua ngā waka

Ko Tangahoe me Ngāti Hokopu ngā hapū

Ko Tangahoe me Ngāti Awa ngā iwi

Ko Taiporohenui me Te Whare o Toroa ngā marae

Ko Robin Te Aotonga ahau

How did you get into weaving?

“My journey into weaving began with a spark of inspiration—to weave a korowai for my first moko. At the time, I didn’t know my daughter was pregnant, but soon after I started learning through online resources, I found out she was. From there, I wove several kākahu, including one for my moko. Wanting to reconnect more deeply with te ao Māori, I sought hands-on learning and took my first formal step at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa with Gerry Karekare. I began my Level 4 journey last year and am now completing the diploma course.”

What do you love about weaving?

“What I love most about weaving is the sense of connection it gives me—to my tīpuna, to the land, and to my cultural heritage. It’s more than just creating something with my hands; it’s a deeply spiritual and grounding experience. Each weave holds a story, and through that process, I feel a part of something greater, a continuation of the knowledge passed down through generations. The calm and focus that comes with weaving also provides balance in my life, allowing me to express creativity while honoring my whakapapa.”

How does understanding more about your Ngāti Awatanga help with your weaving?

Understanding my Ngāti Awatanga deepens the meaning behind my weaving. It has given me insight into the traditions, values, and stories that are woven into the very fabric of our culture. Through learning more about my whakapapa and iwi, I’ve been able to bring a sense of identity and purpose into my mahi. It’s not just about technique, it’s about understanding the significance of what I’m weaving, the stories it tells, and the mana it carries for my people.

And how have you been able to give back to Ngāti Awa through your weaving?

I’ve been able to give back to Ngāti Awa through my weaving by contributing to important cultural and community events. One of the most significant ways has been weaving takapau wharanui for whānau in times of grief, a deeply spiritual practice that I learned under the guidance of Kutiwera Te Maipi. Her mentorship and ongoing support have been invaluable, teaching me not only the techniques but also the cultural and spiritual significance behind each weave. Through her, I gained the confidence and skills to create these pieces, which hold immense mana for my people. I’ve also contributed to the whāriki that are used in the wharenui at Te Hokowhitu a Tū Marae. Sharing my knowledge within my hapū, I’ve helped reconnect others with our weaving traditions, ensuring that these practices continue to thrive within Ngāti Awa.