Wintec fashion and graphic design students studying textile design gained a new understanding of Māori design elements, motifs and weaving techniques at a workshop at Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa, Wintec’s marae.

School of Media Arts Fashion tutor Rebekah Harman arranged the workshop on 6 April, to align with her students learning outcomes. She says the learning experience was valuable for her students and they gained a lot from the site-specific workshop at the marae.

“Many students told me that they now have a new respect for raranga (weaving) and a much better understanding of the tikanga around raranga and using harakeke (flax).”

Wintec’s Marion Tahana from Student Learning Services and student advisor Emily Ranginui led students and staff through the preparation process of the harakeke, which took five hours with a further 6-8 hours to complete the bleaching and dyeing process.

School of Media Arts student Angela Tremayne was one of the group of students who attended the workshop and says she gained a new awareness and knowledge from the experience.

“In Māori weaving, the harakeke is used to create symbolic patterns such as whaikaro patterns, poutama, nihotaniwha and patikitiki by using tikanga practices. By using these practices I became more aware of the holistic attributes everything in this universe has and I am now have a new awareness of this”.

The use of the Wintec marae was carefully considered as many of the patterns and motifs that were discussed are displayed on the tukutuku panels and on the carvings within the marae. Learning within this environment was a valuable, holistic experience for the students and staff involved.

Find out more about Te Kōpū Mānia o Kirikiriroa Marae  including booking information here.

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