Kua raranga tahi tātou he whariki mō āpōpō
Together we weave the mat for future generations

Nau mai haere mai, all are welcome to attend Ōtari Raranga wānanga (classes).

These classes run approximately fortnightly.

No experience required and all materials provided. You will walk away with woven taonga at the end of every class.

During the first 2 classes, beginner students will complete a variety of putiputi (flowers).

We provide harakeke for you if it is your FIRST class and we will teach you how to harvest for yourself during this time and what to harvest for your next class.

After that, if you would like us to harvest for you, purchase the add-on – “Please harvest for me” for an additional fee.

Moving forward, you will start making kōnae (2 corner kete – basket), kono (4-sided kete), tapawhāroa and more.
You will need to harvest 8-10 rau for yourself and start building your own tool kit.

After completing 6 or more beginner classes (close together), you may be ready to move up to our intermediate classes. Please talk with our kaiako and kaiāwhina if you are interested.

With regular attendance, you will:
– Learn tikanga (protocols) and karakia for hauhake (harvesting) and preparing harakeke
– Build your mātauranga (knowledge)
– Use kupu Māori appropriate to raranga practice
– Develop your pūkenga (practical skills)
– Create taonga (treasures) for your whānau
– Build hononga (connections) within our raranga rōpū (group)
– Have the skills to practice at home.

What’s included in your beginner’s ticket?
– Three-hour weaving class with experienced kaiako
– Harakeke is provided for your first class, and then you should hauhake (harvest) for yourself or click the “please harvest for me” option in addition to your ticket at least two days before class.
– Light refreshments are provided, and we encourage you to bring kai to share

Led by Irihāpeti Te Aho (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pauhawera) , Linda Lee (Ngāti Huia, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kurī, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri), and/or Anna Lees (Te Āti Awa, Kāi Tahu).
On occasion our raranga rangatira, Frank Topia (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Haua), will teach and we often have support from our kaiāwhina.

– It is important that everyone turns up on time for karakia
– For tikanga purposes, beginner ticket sales close two days before wānanga, giving us time to hauhake (harvest) for you
– If class numbers are too low, we may have to cancel (and will offer a refund or transfer), so please check your emails before class
– We offer concession tickets for students, unwaged, seniors, and those with disabilities.
– It is important to us that our classes are accessible to all. If ticket costs are a barrier for you, please visit our website to enquire about our reduced-cost or free tickets
– We welcome children aged 10-14, but they should be accompanied by an adult with a ticket

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram: Otari Raranga Weavers
For more information about what to expect and what to bring, visit our website: www.otariraranga.co.nz

We mihi to our funders and sponsors, Wellington City Council, Wellington Gardens and the Ōtari-Wilton Bush Kaitiaki, Maverick Creative, Good Fortune Coffee and Wellington Apothecary.

Donations, Tax Credits and Corporate Gifting
– We accept koha to support Ōtari Raranga Weavers via Shared Lines Trust. This enables us to continue to offer subsidised and free events to the community
– Shared Lines Trust is registered with the Charities Service; Shared Lines Trust (CC61762)
– For corporate gifting or individuals requesting tax credits, please email SharedLinesTrust@gmail.com or visit www.sharedlines.org.nz for more information