A stunning new book on the work of Aotearoa New Zealand’s senior Māori weavers.

The story of Māori weaving is one of great skill, determination and survival. When colonisation threatened Māori society, the women continued to weave. When their taonga plant species were threatened, they advocated for their land and resources. Against overwhelming odds, they upheld the mana and traditions of raranga, passing down their skills and knowledge to ensure that this vital practice thrives in our contemporary world.

In this book, the works and stories of the senior weavers of Te Kāhui Whiritoi show the complexity and beauty of raranga, placing te whare pora, the house of weaving, at the centre of Māori life, where it connects the weaver to their whakapapa and whenua, their whānau, iwi and tūpuna.

The weavers of Te Kāhui Whiritoi are Cath Brown, Emily Rangitiaria Schuster, Whero o te Rangi Bailey, Te Aue Davis, Diggeress Rangituatahi Te Kanawa, Matekino Lawless, Eddie Maxwell, Saana Waitai Murray, Riria Smith, Toi Te Rito Maihi, Ranui Ngarimu, Reihana Parata, Connie Pewhairangi-Potae, Madeleine Sophie Tangohau, Mere Walker, Pareaute Nathan, Sonia Snowden, Christina Hurihia Wirihana.

Features texts in te reo Māori and English by Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku, Donna Campbell, Nathan Pōhio and Awhina Tamarapa, interviews with the weavers, and beautiful photography of kākahu, whāriki, kete, pōtae, piupiu, tukutuku, pākē, paraerae and more.

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