Six generations of weaving
Explore the inter-generational story of weaving through the legacy of the Hetet and Te Kanawa whaanau. Tracing more than 180 years of weaving knowledge across multiple generations, this exhibition is a celebration of Meaning Weaving as a living artform that continues to adapt, evolve and respond to contemporary life.
Beginning with renowned Ngāti Kinohaku weaver Mere Te Rongopāmamao Aubrey, the exhibition traces the enduring influence of Dame Rangimārie Hetet, Dr Diggeress Te Kanawa, descendants and whaanau.
A living legacy
Visitors will encounter an extraordinary range of works including cloaks, Meaning Bag or basket , Meaning Garment made of harakeke flax, worn from waist to knee , contemporary artworks, photographs, and film. These Meaning Treasure, anything prized tell the story of how weaving knowledge endured through periods when Maaori weaving practices were at risk of being lost.
The exhibition highlights the leadership of Maniapoto women who ensured customary weaving practices would continue to thrive, and how their commitment has helped shape the future of Meaning Weaving in Aotearoa, influencing generations of weavers across the country.
Modern stories woven through fibre
Alongside historical Meaning Treasure, anything prized are newly created works that reflect contemporary experiences of grief, Meaning Family , identity and belonging. These pieces demonstrate that weaving is more than a technical skill, it is rather a means of expressing Meaning Ancestry or family lineage , sharing stories, strengthening cultural identity and maintaining connections between people, places and generations.
Continuity and transformation
Inspired by the movement of a
Meaning
Flax plant, native to Aotearoa New Zealand
Scientific name: Phormium tenax
strand folding beneath and re-emerging in a new form, Ripoi Anamata, Ripoi Inamata explores both continuity and change. The exhibition shows how traditions can remain deeply rooted while continuing to evolve in response to new ideas, experiences and generations.
Visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation of the artistry, labour and innovation involved in Meaning Weaving , an understanding of the national significance of the Hetet and Te Kanawa weaving legacy, and a sense of optimism for the future of Maaori weaving as a thriving and evolving artform.
Hautāmiro: Bound by the Winds
Presented alongside Ripoi Anamata, Ripoi Inamata is a monumental installation by Mataaho Collective, who were invited to showcase their internationally acclaimed work by the whaanau working group. Mataaho responded by sharing Hautāmiro: Bound by the Wind. Stretching across the gallery like an unfurled kaakahu, the work combines muka, wool and fencing components to explore movement, innovation and intergenerational knowledge. Together, Ripoi and Hautāmiro create a compelling dialogue between customary and contemporary weaving practices, celebrating both the legacy of the Hetet and Te Kanawa whaanau and the ongoing evolution of raranga in Aotearoa.
free entry
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