Hau Kainga

Michelle Kerr, Claudette Collis, and Fiona Collis are traditional fibre artists from Te Aitanga a Hauiti, whose work is deeply rooted in their whakapapa and cultural heritage. As sisters and skilled weavers, they draw inspiration from the natural materials and techniques passed down through generations, blending traditional Māori weaving with contemporary artistic expression. Their upcoming exhibition, Hau Kāinga, meaning “the true home, the heart of one’s identity and belonging,” is a celebration of the deep connection to whenua (land), whakapapa (ancestry), and tūrangawaewae (place of standing). Through intricate fibre artworks, they explore the strength, beauty, and resilience of their people, honouring the artistry of Te Aitanga a Hauiti while expressing the evolving nature of mātauranga Māori in a modern world.