This installation was created collaboratively by Te Kāhui Hono, a group of weavers from Ōtautahi Christchurch. It highlights the ongoing significance of harakeke to the wellbeing of Māori life and culture. Traditionally, harakeke was critical to life as a source of healing and as a raw material to make clothing, sandals, baskets, mats, nets, lines and sails, traps and cordage, bedding and adornment. It is no wonder that the plant became such an important commodity for trade with European settlers. These days, harakeke remains significant within te ao Māori, offering endless opportunities for artists. Through this traditional material, weavers nurture connections to the whenua, to their tūpuna and atua, and across iwi, hapū, whānau and wider community. In this installation, the porowhita form represents the endless value harakeke has to past, present and future generations – he taonga mutunga kore.

Te Kāhui Hono comprises:

Christine Brown, Aotearoa, b. 1960

Pounamu Higgs, Aotearoa, b. 1961

Tania Nutira, Aotearoa (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Toarangatira) 

Patty-Anne Oberst, Aotearoa (Kāi Tahu), b. 1950

Linda Rangipunga, Aotearoa (Te Kāhui o Taranaki Iwi, Kāi Tahu)

Toni Rowe, Aotearoa (Maniapoto, Taranaki Tūturu), b. 1980

Kay Stevens, Aotearoa b. 1946

Ngaio Tuari, Aotearoa (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Irakēhu, Kāi Tarewa, Whakatōhea)

Trixie Woodill, Aotearoa, b. 1947