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 free to attend 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. Free creative workshops are scheduled at 10am and 2pm, though Registrations are essential for these workshops, 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. (See the timeline of events below, PLEASE NOTE that there will be NO ENTRY after 3:45pm)

Guest speaker John Turi-Tiakitai will share history and a look into the timeline of weaving. The day will finish with a fashion show at 4pm 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.

Proudly Supported by Te Wananga o Aotearoa

TIMELINE:
9:00am - Opening Karakia (Waiata - Pereri King)
9:30am - First Guest Speaker - Charles Ropitini, History of weaving in Kahungunu
10:00am - Workshops with Te Whare Pora Weavers, & the Muriwai Weavers (Registrations required)
11:00am - Second Guest Speaker - John Turi, "Te Mātai Aho Tāhūnui, Te Mātai Aho Tāhūroa: Examining the Thread of Evolution in our Weaving Arts”
11:45am - Waiata, Denise Keelan
12:20pm - Third Guest Speaker - Christina Wirihana – A look into 50 years of her personal weaving journey
1:00pm - Kahurangi Dance Company/Waiata
2:00pm - Workshops with TWoA Te Whare Pora Weavers, & the Muriwai Weavers (Registrations required)
3:15pm - Waiata - Pereri King and Marewa King
3:45pm - NO ENTRY after 3:45pm
4:00pm - Fashion Show starts - MC, Te Orihau Karaitiana, Designer Shona Tawhiao Collection, Designer Taongahuia Maxwell Collection, Kakahu, traditional and contemporary garments.
5:00pm - Closing Karakia