HBAF 2022 Whiria!

Whiria means to plait, a call to bring people together, so we are weaving and encouraging interaction. A call to people to come and see what the art of weaving is about. For one day only, at Toitoi’s beautiful Assembly Ballroom.

Whiria is a celebration of raranga, the Māori art of weaving, a powerful living art that evokes tribal memories of the ancestors and the arts they brought with them. Fibre art covers a huge array of skills and Kahugnunu Iwi weavers will be displaying examples of their fibre work, demonstrating traditional methods and processes as well as using contemporary materials and techniques.

Live demonstrations where people can observe weavers in action include – tukutuku (lattice work), tāniko (intricate finger weaving), muka (harakeke fibre) extraction, whatu (cloak making technique), raranga (harakeke weaving) and more.

Whiria! is a feature event of the Festival and is presented in partnership with weavers and kaiako (teachers). Artists participating and demonstrating their work include; Wi Pohatu, Karmen Thomson, Erin Rauna, Fiona Jones, Tracey Robens, Martha Hampton, TWoA Te Whare Pora weavers, Muriwai weavers and many others.

As part of Whiria! an exhibition will feature stunning woven works, paintings and carvings by various Kahungunu artists. There will also be an opportunity to participate in free creative workshops, bookings essential as spaces are limited.

Kahungunu entertainers Pereri King and Denise Keelan will take you on a journey weaving stories and singing waiata to compliment the day.

Guest speaker John Turi-Tiakitai will share history and a look into the timeline of weaving. The day will finish with a fashion show featuring
renowned Māori designers Shona Tawhiao and Taongahuia Maxwell’s collections. Shona’s work has graced the catwalks in Milan and New York Fashion Weeks. Taongahuia Maxwell designs have featured in Miromoda and NZ Fashion Week.

Both artists embrace their Māori culture and have a woven focus to their designs. Traditional and contemporary cloaks and kakahu will also grace the catwalk. Whiria! fashion, directed and produced by Nephi Tupaea.