^TM

By Madelyn Miller

Outside of  New Zealand, people are not very aware of the history and arts of the Maori, New Zealand's native people. Perhaps because they are a quiet, peaceful people, we do not hear much about them. And this is a shame. Because their culture and handicraft heritage is fascinating.

I had a chance to meet a Maori weaver, Erenora Puketapu-Hetet, and visit the craft home where the skills are passed on to the next generation. Erenora is the product of two cultures. Her mother, Vera, was a first generation New Zealander of English descent.Her father, Ihala Puketapu of Te Atlawa, was a well-known Maori leader in the Hutt Valley, who founded the Walwhetu Marae.

Erenora grew up amongst her whanau (family) at Walwhetu. It was the laughter from her aunties weaving together that first drew her to attempt weaving. The women were weaving kono (food baskets) and Erenora ws encouraged to help by trimming off the unwanted ends. She was 10 years old at the time. It  was her first step towards becoming a weaver.

Erenora learned taaniko, a pre-European twining weaving technique. When she was eighteen Erenora learned to weave tukutuku (decorative wall panelling) for the meeting house at Walwhetu alongside other women of the whanau. Her husband to be, Rangi Hetet was one of the young carvers for the house.

Erenora has often worked closely with Rangi on projects and she believes the master carver and weaver complement each other. Such has been the artistic relationship shared by Rangi and Erenoa.

She has spent a large part of her life teaching weaving in the community and at craft institutions and museums, including the new New Zealand Te Papa Tiongarewa.

"I have derived great pleasure teaching my own daughters and other relatives because it strengthens the fabric of our extended family. It adds creative energy and color to our community and keeps the link with the past and the future strong."

Erenora is a keen advocate for Maori Art. Maori weaving plays a prominent role in her life and has remained a source of challenge, deep inspiration and great pleasure. For Erenora it is a strong link both physically and spiritually to the past, present and future.

Our past is our future and also our present, like the eternal circle. This concept is very important for the weaver who sees herself as a reposititory, linking the knowledge of the pst with that of the future.

If you would like a chance to have meet with a Maori in the Maori settlement, it is possible through the Maori Experience. You will travel to Waiwhetu--one of the few urban Maori settlements in New Zealand. The traditional meeting house, which is the focal point for the activities of the community, is surrounded by forty homes occupied by
Local Maori.

You are personally hosted at the private studio of Maori artists. It begins with the traditional Maori greeting of rubbing noses (which seems a lot more intimate than kissing the first time you try it). Then you get a chance to speak with Maori people about their culture and lifestyle while you share morning tea.  You host will explain Maori customs and proudly show you some of their native crafts and artwork. You might see weaving or carving and will have a chance to try on a traditional Maori cape (great photo opportunity)

You probably won't be able to resist the indigenous treasures in the gift shop. The prices were fair, and the quality very high. I similar pieces at museum shops at slightly higher prices. But that is not surprising, since they supply the museums.

MAORI TOURS:
Phone 04-560-4630
Fax 04-560-4631

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NEW ZEALAND:

800-388-kiwi (5494)

http://nzbt.govt.nz

Marae: Waiwhetu Marae
Address: Puketapu Grove
Place: Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt
Rohe: Whanganui A Tara
Contact: Patsy Puketapu
Details: Fax/phone (04) 5696-063

I am only assuming that the above contact is a relative. Either daughter,  daughter-in-law, grand daughter, neice etc; of the founder.

Reader comment:
You use Maori names in your article that are mispelled. There is no letter "L" in the Maori Languge, therefore, a marae such as "Walwhetu Marae" would not exist. Could it have been "Waiwhetu?" Erenora's father's name is Ihala Puketapu of Te Atlawa.  Neither of these names are Maori names. Could These names have been "Ihaka" (to some, this means Isaac) and  of "Te Arawa?" (descended from the Arawa Canoe)?

This was what I found to be confusing.

I am Maori, and have been living in Australia since 1968. There are many things I don't know about N.Z. http://www.wellingtonnz.com/Education/WaiwhetuMarae/Waiwhetu+Marae.htm 

Back to TravelLady Magazine