Teaching people to weave

The Nga Whakatupuranga - Generations of Weaving exhibition has inspired groups of people to learn how to weave with flax.

The exhibition, which showcases woven korowai (full-length cloaks) and hieke paheke (capes), turapa (wall panels), kaitaka (cloaks), kete (baskets) and other items, is on display at the Rotorua Museum.

A number of weaving-related events are being held over the duration of the exhibition - which runs until October 14 - including weaving workshops, the last of which was held yesterday.

Alice de Nys said she and her sister Maryanne had been visiting the weaving exhibition when they discovered they could learn the skill themselves.

They went along to yesterday's workshop, where they learned to make a small kete.

"We really liked what we saw - when the guy behind the counter said there was a workshop on, we put our names down. If I had time, I would really love to do this and learn more of the skill."

Alice said she and her sister had a lot of fun at the class.

Museum public programmes manager William Yip said the workshop was the last of the series of weaving public programmes delivered in support of the Nga Whakatupuranga - Generations of Weaving exhibition.

"Weaving, like many aspects of Maori culture, has been passed down from one generation to another. Retaining, treasuring and developing the teachings of past generations are the responsibility of present generations. Under the guidance of expert weavers Harata Black and Glenda Hape, the weaving workshops have provided a positive starting point for participants looking to extend their love for Maori weaving."

The exhibition is on display at Rotorua Museum until October 14. Entry is free of charge for Rotorua locals with proof of residency.