Weavers Honoured

MEDIA RELEASE
2 June 2007

Weavers Honoured

One hundred and fifty five weavers gathered today to celebrate their contribution to the new tourist facilities at Te Puia.

“This is the first opportunity we have had to gather together these talented weaver, to honour their artistry and interpretation and say thank you for their works that now adorns the new gallery Nga Waru Pu Manawa”, said Robert MacFarlane outgoing Chairman of the Te Puia Board.

Nga Waru Pu Manawa is the large multi sensory gallery in the Te Puia complex which tells the ancient stories of the Whakarewarewa Valley and Te Arawa people, through 21st century audio visual and artistic displays.

Carin Wilson with over 30 years experience in architectural design developed the concept for the new facilities to link the rich multi layered dimensions of the Maori world with stories that related specifically to Te Arawa.

The cloaks which are a central theme of the weaving designs are a link to the adventures of the famous Te Arawa ancestors Hatupatu and the bird woman Kurungaituku.

Led by Toi Maihi, weavers from all over New Zealand worked for eleven months to bring the designs of the traditional art form to life in a vivid contemporary context of story telling.

“The works we celebrate and showcase today”, said Robert Macfarlane “is testament to the significant role Te Puia has played over its 44 year history in the promotion, practice and appreciation of Maori arts and crafts in New Zealand tourism”.

Ends

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