‘My journey into Raranga began in 2021 shortly after the passing of my father –
in-law, Ko Henare Te Reiwhati Te Kirikau Morehu tōna ingoa, nō Ngāti Pikiao.
I visited his brother, our Uncle Jackie who is our ahi kā, who was a weaver and
had woven some beautiful Taonga, he handed me one of his Korowai and said i
want you to weave one of these. He also has a Pa Harakeke which is Muka at his house, I Karakia then he helps me harvest, from that moment I felt called to weave.’

‘Through my Mahi Toi, I express Whakapapa and the stories of my people. Each strand is a taonga, each one holds a story – a connection. For me working with Muka is not simply an art form it’s a pathway of ancestry, and a gift for future generations. Harakeke grounds my pieces reminding me that strength comes from connections and when woven together we are stronger as one. He taonga tuku iho – a treasure handed down, ensuring the threads of the past remain unbroken.
I have won the 1st Ruia Taitea Exhibition and Toi award at Taupō Museum with Te Ara Ātea, Taniko Poi, Exhibited my mahi toi twice at The Incubator-Historic Village, at the Arts Junction in Katikati, and a Finalist in the Rotorua Museum Art Awards.’