Pakohe (argellite) is a kōhatu (stone) found in the Whanganui River, renowned for its hardness, durability and strength. These were the attributes we needed as a new business when we launched in 2015.
During the lockdown last year you had to move your workshop from the Tupoho complex to your home – how is that working out?
Fabulously. Downsizing was the best thing we could have done even though I lost my lounge to a studio cum workshop space. We miss the luxury of space that we had at Tupoho but we now save more than $70 per week just in petrol by working from home.
Last month you ran Paper to Print workshops in conjunction with the Sarjeant Gallery. What was the participation like and what sort of feedback did you get?
It was a wonder-filled whirlwind weekend. The class was full and we started Saturday getting to know one another before furiously making harakeke paper for the print class on Sunday.
A quick tour through the Te Awa Reo exhibition at the Sarjeant Gallery on Sunday morning and Marty took the participants through the process of woodcut. A brilliant weekend of fun and frivolity.
Two days later one of the teachers in the group sent us an email to say she had made moulds and deckles for her classroom and will be teaching her students to make paper using recycled materials. Absolutely brilliant.
Everyone went home with their own unique, original, woodcut image printed on beautiful handmade harakeke paper. We think they were happy.
Marilyn, in 2018 you were the Aotea regional award winner at the Māori Women's Business Awards. What did the award mean for you and for Pakohe Whanganui?
I was totally blown away that we won the award and very much appreciated not only the award but also the support we have received from the Māori Women's Development Inc organisation over the past few years.
The award not only helped us financially, it also gave us a sense of pride that our Māori educational resources and professional development workshops were accepted and acknowledged by a wider audience.
Marty, you crafted the new sign for the Pākaitore historic reserve that was installed in October. How was that experience for you?
It was a great experience working with the Pākaitore Board. It gave me time to reflect on the late Henry Bennett and brought him alive in the studio as I worked on the sign.
The size and the weight of the sign gave it a sense of longevity and I imagine the sign still being there in 200 years' time patched like "grandpa's axe".
What are the things you both most love about living in Whanganui?
Whānau and friends, acquaintances, awa, moana and "rush minute" [as opposed to rush hours experienced in larger cities].
You have both had interesting and varied careers. Are there alternate paths you might have walked? Any ambitions that you didn't get to try?
Marilyn: I would not have done anything different although I did originally want seven children. I was blessed with two. I think my life would have been very different.
Marty: At one time I thought seriously about becoming a professional drummer but printmaking won out.
What are your favourite things to do when you have free time?
Eating a strawberry icecream cone on the North Mole in Castlecliff. High tide, clear skies, Maunga Taranaki in view, kids laughing, surfers surfing, seagulls seagulling and the world at peace with the world.
If the borders should open, where in the world would you both like to go?
Marilyn: To the River Wye in Wales.
Marty: To Japan to look at traditional Japanese paper crafts. I would love to visit an umbrella craftsman and watch the experts pulling paper.
