Ngati Kahungunu, Ngāi Tuhoe, Ngati Porou, Ngati Tuwharetoa
Adornment/jewellery
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Raranga (Weaving)
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Collective(s):
Born & raised in Newtown, Te Whanganui a Tara, I whakapapa to Ngati Kahungunu, Ngāi Tuhoe, Ngati Porou, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Panyu, Guangdong. I've been a Ringatoi my entire life & know no differently. This pathway was chosen for me by my tūpuna before I knew it & denied it so many times not realising. The epiphany has now come to fruition & I fully embrace this taonga & accept these traits.
My background is in fashion design and won the Benson & Hedges NZ Young Designer award in 1995 before it was rehomed by Te Papa Tongarewa.
I'm now an established Kairaranga who specialises in designing & making Kākahu Taonga-Tuku-Iho, Designer Kete, Bespoke Jewellery, Art Pieces & Accessories.
I describe my design aesthetic as contemporary using traditional construction techniques, which means my kākahu are fully & painstakingly hand made with aho & whatu.
My latest kete collection called “CAMO KETE” was exhibited at Pātaka in Pari-rua in 2024.
Join Toi Iho, empowering creative Māori expression and fostering cultural resurgence.