Tōia Library: Te Pātaka Kōrero o Ōtāhuhu (Ōtāhuhu Library) is offering free Māori Art workshops every Wednesdays for the community to experience the rich art of Harakeke weaving.
The workshop promotes and preserves Toi Māori, teaching both skills and cultural knowledge.
Funded by the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, attendees will learn traditional Māori techniques of korowai (cloak making) and harakeke (flax) weaving techniques from local expert Cherryl Herewini.
Board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich says, “Isn't it amazing how our libraries are creating opportunities like this? Weaving is a living art form, passed down through generations. The workshop is for everyone, it's for children, teens, families and anyone eager to learn. We’re proud to support this essential workshop, where participants can create their very own korowai and connect with something truly meaningful.”
The workshop is ongoing and has been running for a few years, with 12-20 people attending each session. The board has generously allocated $1,000 to support this initiative and is open to the community.
Workshop details
Every Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Tōia Library (Ōtāhuhu Library) with skilled Māori weaver, Cherryl Herewini.
- earn traditional Māori weaving techniques
- create stunning pieces from Harakeke
- craft your own Korowai
FREE entry for all levels—beginners welcome.
Korowai, Traditional Cloak
Image: New Zealand online.
Traditionally, Korowai were woven by hand using two upright weaving pegs.
As the weaving progressed, feathers and decorative threads were carefully integrated into the fabric. Natural dyes were used to achieve various colours, with paru (swamp mud) creating a black tone and tanekaha (bark) producing a rich brown.
The feathered Korowai, or Kahu kiwi, is a sacred garment. Each Korowai is considered a tāonga, a treasured possession, as they were traditionally woven from kiwi feathers. These Korowai were typically reserved for chiefs and elders, but they could also be made for family members or other honoured members of the tribe.
Bring your friends, your curiosity, and let’s weave together!
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