Kua raranga tahi tātou he whariki mō āpōpō
Together we weave the mat for future generations

Nau mai haere mai, all are welcome to attend Ōtari Raranga wānanga (classes).

These classes run fortnightly.

No experience required and all materials are provided. You will walk away with woven taonga at the end of every class.

We provide harakeke for you if it is your FIRST class.

In these classes, Kākano (beginner students) will complete a variety of putiputi (flowers), whetū (stars), ika (fish), and other small taonga.

We will teach you how to harvest for yourself during this time and advise what to harvest for your next class.

Pihinga are those moving on from putiputi (flowers) to kōnae and kono (two and four corner containers).

See here for more information on your weaving journey.

What’s included in your ticket?

• Three-hour+ weaving class with experienced kaiako
• Kākano finish at 1:30pm
• Pihinga finish at 2:30pm
• Harakeke is provided for your first kākano class with us.
• Light refreshments are provided, and we encourage you to bring kai to share

With regular attendance, you will:

• Learn tikanga (protocols) and karakia for hauhake (harvesting) and preparing harakeke
• Build your mātauranga (knowledge)
• Use kupu Māori appropriate to raranga practice
• Develop your pūkenga (practical skills)
• Create taonga (treasures) for your whānau
• Build hononga (connections) within our raranga rōpū (group)
• Have the skills to practice at home

Led by Irihāpeti Te Aho (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pauhawera) and/or Linda Lee (Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kurī, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri).

On occasion, our raranga rangatira, Frank Topia (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Haua), will teach.

We often have support from our kaiāwhina.

We are committed to upholding tikanga (protocols), nurturing the mātauranga (knowledge) and pūkenga (skills) of our growing weaving community.

10:30am – Doors open, with time for whanaungatanga and manaakitanga and karakia

The session may vary between 3 – 4.5 hrs depending on numbers

1:30 pm – Kākano students depart.

2:30 pm – Pihinga students depart / Doors close.

Note: It is important to us that our classes are accessible to all. If ticket costs are a barrier for you, please visit our website to enquire about our reduced-cost or free tickets.

We mihi to our funders and sponsors, Wellington City Council, Wellington Gardens and the Ōtari-Wilton Bush Kaitiaki, Maverick Creative, Good Fortune Coffee and Wellington Apothecary.

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram: Otari Raranga Weavers

Donations, Tax Credits and Corporate Gifting
– We accept koha to support Ōtari Raranga Weavers via Shared Lines Trust. This enables us to continue to offer subsidised and free events to the community.
– Shared Lines Trust is registered with Charities Service; Shared Lines Trust (CC61762)
– All donations over $5 made to The Trust are tax-deductible
– For corporate gifting or individuals requesting tax credits please email SharedLinesTrust@gmail.com
– Visit www.sharedlines.org.nz for more information