Exhibition celebrates new beginnings with te whare pora

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

A new exhibition showcasing te whare pora (the art of weaving) will launch at the Taupō Museum this Saturday.

The exhibition, Poipoia, Ngā Pia o Te Whare Pora, will include a range of works created by students from Te Wananga o Aotearoa, alongside the Museum’s own collection. Visitors can expect to see kono (baskets), kete (kit) and kakahu (cloaks).

Taupō Museum curator Piata Winitana-Murray said the exhibition also celebrates Matariki (Māori New Year), the star constellation that signals the new year in Māori traditions.

“We’re very proud to exhibit works from both past and present raranga students from Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Turangi, alongside woven pieces from the Museum’s collection.

“These works celebrate the journey of weaving from pia (trainee) to tohunga (expert), exchanging, conversing, as learner and teacher, while under the guiding constellation of Matariki.”

Notable pieces on display include a large, collective piece titled ‘Puawaitanga’ which was created by Te Wananga o Aotearoa students in 2014. As well as a kahu puakarimu (rain cape), a replica of a rare kakahu housed at Te Papa which uses dyed red and black club moss, which was woven by former kaiako (tutor) Margaret Belshaw.

The exhibition is open from this Saturday 19 June through until Friday August 2. Taupō Museum is open seven days from 10am to 4.30pm and entry is free to Taupō District residents with proof of address.