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 Te Aro Raranga Māhuri sessions.

These classes run approximately fortnightly between Ōtari and Te Aro Studio.

These sessions introduce a range of new skills with the focus being on processing harakeke for whiri-based weaving projects.

This involves tākiri (stripping fibres), kōhua (boiling), whakakano (dyeing) harakeke for preservation.

Note: you can also attend the Kōrari sessions to process your harakeke.

We cover advanced edge-locking styles, Waikawa (open-weave storage baskets), practicing whiri projects using green harakeke, depending on who is in the room.

This will prepare you for our upcoming Tipuranga sessions scheduled in November 2026 – Kete Timata, and matching Pōtae (hat) and Pīkau (backpack) sessions.

Depending on where you are, you will need to harvest a minimum 40+ quality, medium to long size rau for yourself as you need at least 200 tākiri whenu to move forward.

You should also have your own tool kit.

What’s included in your ticket? – 4-5 hour weaving class with experienced kaiako – Light refreshments are provided, and we encourage you to bring kai to share

Led by Frank Topia (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Haua) and Linda Lee (Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kurī, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri), Irihāpeti Te Aho (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pauhawera).

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

11:00am – Doors open, with time for whanaungatanga and manaakitanga and karakia

The session may vary between 4 – 5 hrs depending on numbers

4:00 pm – Doors close.

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