Artist's statement
Dr Maureen Lander MNZM
Ngā Puhi, Te Roroa
The traditions say that when Kupe first entered the Hokianga Harbour he was struck by the golden light reflecting from the sand-covered northern shore. He named that place 'Te Pouahi'.
I am fascinated by the way the sandhills there always seem to glow, even on cloudy days, reflecting the wairua of Niniwa, one of the two legendary Meaning A supernatural creature, generally located in lakes, rivers or the sea. Often regarded as guardians by the people who live in their territory. who embody the headlands on either side of the Hokianga, guarding the entrance.
Araiteuru guards the south, Niniwa the north, where Te Pouahi continues to be like a beacon for Meaning Canoe on the harbour.
Contact:Dr Maureen Lander, MNZM | Artists | Toi Iho
Maureen Lander He Tukutuku Auahatanga | Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre
Essays
Explore in-depth writing about He Aa I Uta, He Aa I Tai: Weaving the Elements.
Whenu(a), Atua: Returning to Hine-te-iwaiwa through the maternal language of whatu
Dr Hinekura Smith (Te Rarawa, Nga Puhi)
1974 words
The language of weaving resonates deeply with the feminine and maternal body – as long as we use that language.
Ngaa ahuatanga marire mo te koiora - The Elementals essential for life
Ruth Port (Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri)
2950 words
A journey of re-connection and knowledge recovery as a group of weavers unravel long lost techniques used by Māori ancestral sail makers.
