- Location: Fraser High School
- Start Date: Saturday 11th May, 2024.
- End Date: Saturday 8th Jun, 2024.
- Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm.
- 4 Weeks.
- 4 hours per week.
TAKING ENROLLMENTS FOR TERM 2, 2024 - STARTS SATURDAY 11th of May!
Raranga with Tui Tamara Kirkwood
This is a great class for all ages from 16 years old and up and all stages, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced weaver, come along and learn. You will learn the basics of weaving starting with putiputi (flowers), advancing to a variety of baskets and kete.
Learn basic weaving skills and create taonga for your whanau. In this course you will connect with harakeke and the environment.
We begin with tikanga harakeke and understanding protocols in Māori weaving.
You will learn karakia for harvesting and preparation for weaving that is very important as is connection with the environment.
Raranga (flax weaving) can be therapeutic and good for your well-being.
The Saturday course allows for learners to unwind after the working week. Raranga is a good skill to have and basic terminology and kupu Māori will sure help you to fill your kete.
Create practical items and connect with ancestral practices and teachings.
COURSE OUTLINE
Week 1 | Tikanga harakeke – Learn and practice special karakia and do’s and dont’s around flax harvesting and preparation. (Field trip) to a nearby Pā harakeke (Flax plantation) you will be demonstrated how to cut flax correctly and safely and given opportunity to practice. Weave a putiputi bouquet (flax flower) |
Week 2 | Weave a kete – basic kete |
| BREAK |
| Week 3 | Weave a kono-harakeke basket for serving cooked kai |
Week 4 | Weave a Waikawa basket – good for the environmentally frendly alternative to shopping bag |
Learners can expect to create the above items over four weeks.
The key to success is showing up and enjoying yourself. Some tasks require numeracy such as counting harakeke and dividing into separate strips. There will be handouts to take home to support your learning journey.
What to bring to session 1
Just your lunch! We will discuss at the first class what you will need.
Other costs /Tools required
Students will need to gather some tools and resources as they progress in their weaving. Approx $20 for basic tools , Stanley knife, small tarp, pegs, scissors
About your kaiako (tutor)
My journey started only 5 years ago, and I have been actively teaching raranga for 2 years. I hold a Bachelor in Māori art specializing in Raranga I am proud to be able to share my knowledge with people who want to know more about our culture and connect with their inner artist. Don’t give up on learning our tupuna ways and you will be amazed at what you will create, learn and experience. Keep our traditions alive
Please note: There will be no class 1st of June due to King's Birthday.
Tutors:
Tui Kirkwood
This course is supported by the TEC (Tertiary Education Commission) to assist with literacy and numeracy needs of students. You must attend 80% of the class. At the same time we hope you will learn other useful and interesting skills and have a lot of fun learning with us.