Toi o Wairaka Gallery in Te Pūtahi (Building 108) hosted a new exhibition by Kaitiaki-Taiao and Unitec lecturer, Hinewaimarama Reihana-White this month.
Raranga Taura Kūtai is a kaupapa exploring moana restoration, taura kūtai (woven mussel ropes), and kaitiakitanga through raranga (the art of weaving or plaiting).
The show opening on Friday, 4 April 2025 drew a gathering of kaimahi, ākonga, alumni, friends and family.
A panel discussion convened by Unitec alumni Jasmine Te Hira discussed the theme ‘Weaving connections: taura kūtai, moana restoration, and kaitiakitanga’. The panelists included: Jody-Ann Warbrick (Kairaranga, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), Hinewaimarama Reihana-White (Kairaranga) and Andrew Jeffs (University of Auckland).
A hands-on Taura workshop on Monday 7 April 2025 explored the making and meaning of taura kūtai, weaving practices, and moana restoration.
The Raranga Taura Kūtai installation features taura kūtai (woven mussel ropes) made from harakeke gathered at Rangimārie Pā Harakeke. The ropes were woven by Hinewaimarama, with support from John Kaulima-Panapa (former Unitec architecture student) and members of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei weaving rōpū, Te Puāwai.
Framed images by Academic Programme Manager, Design & Contemporary Art, Peeti Lamwilai accompanied the taura, documenting the making process and the relationships that sustain this kaupapa.
Originally exhibited in Pohewa Pahewa: a Māori design kaupapa at Objectspace gallery in Auckland CBD, the work reflects the ongoing relationships and responsibilities shared between mana whenua, weavers, whenua, and moana.
This iteration follows on from the first taura kūtai woven and deployed in 2017 into the waters of Ōkahu Bay. Grounded in collaboration and care for te taiao, the project continues to express kaitiakitanga through raranga grounded in ancestral connection.
All enquiries to Toi o Wairaka curator, Carly Van Winkel gallery@unitec.ac.nz