Pacific Trade Invest NZ has worked with the Australian Government-funded Vanuatu Skills Partnership who, in
collaboration with the Auckland Museum Store, are introducing Vanuatu Arts & Crafts to New Zealand.
The Vanuatu Arts & Crafts Showcase will feature traditional and contemporary forms and techniques including baskets, fans, bags,
containers, carving and beading.
It will be hosted by the Auckland Museum Store from 9 May – 21 May.
Most of these products have never been available for sale in the international market.
Three ni Vanuatu artists will also be attending the invitation-only opening night event.
The makers are from remote rural communities in Vanuatu and are members of ‘handicraft hubs’ – the Malampa Handicraft
Centre, Torba Handicraft Cooperative, and Ambae Craft Associations.
Members of these handicraft hubs are mostly women. They work within an integrated, community-led approach to sell their
products across Vanuatu – and now for the first time overseas to Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Vanuatu artists are:Christina Sirig - President Vetimboso Craft Association, weaver - Vetimboso Village, Vanualava. Weaver (brown long shopping baskets
etc)Jonaston Manar (Christina's husband) - Vetimboso Village. Weaver and carver.Patricia Mataru - Malampa Handicraft Centre, Malekula. Pandanus weaver.