Back Story
Over the past 12 months, I have embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery along the coast. This time has allowed me to rest, recover, and reawaken my passions. I find myself excitedly reconnecting with the whenua in Ūawa (Tolaga Bay), where I’ve embraced my heritage and engaged in a short te reo course with Pāpā Tui. By developing my relationship with my Uncle Adrian, Dad’s brother, I've learned about the deep ties my father had to this whenua.
I have been learning waiata, moteatea, and my pēpēhā, marking a significant new chapter in my life. My passion for Māori art, design, and the rich traditional stories behind various patterns has grown immensely. My journey took a transformative turn when my tuakana, Haley, and I participated in a four-part wananga in 2023 called Tūtamawhaine. Designed to inspire and empower Māori women from the east coast through a feminine Māori lens, these experiences have been life-changing, elevating my self-worth and identity.
Haley and I have continued our journey with additional wananga series focused on karanga, all part of my moko kauae journey, with the hope of receiving it by Matariki 2025. This year holds significant meaning as we approach the 25th anniversary of our mother's passing. I was 25 when she left us, and in May 2025, she would have turned 80. This milestone presents an opportunity to reconnect with my tipuna, especially as I have felt a longing for connection since both our parents are gone, and I never met my biological grandparents.
What Am I Working On?
I’m excited to share my latest project. For our final wananga in December, we are tasked with presenting a book or item that reflects our journey and learning. With access to a laser cutter through our business, I see this as a perfect opportunity to design a new product. However, I’ve been struggling to finalize two of my design ideas: a Māori-inspired mirror and a Māori-inspired clock.
While it might seem like a simple task, I find it quite challenging. There are already beautifully crafted, high-quality products available on the market, and I want my designs to stand out. An important aspect of the design process is creating a strong kaupapa (theme or story) that informs and enriches the piece.
Designing the Mirror
Kaupapa (Theme/Story):
I am using the mirror as a symbol to reflect not only my physical appearance but also my identity and overall wellbeing. The outer edges feature three distinct design patterns, each representing different facets of my internal wellbeing—mental, spiritual, and my connections to whakapapa.
The first pattern, poutama, signifies my journey of life and learning. It serves as a reminder to continually embrace learning and to share the knowledge I gain with others.
The second design, niho taniwha, encourages me to hold on to my passions and the things that ignite my spirit.
The third element, inspired by the maramataka (lunar calendar), connects me to the pūrakau (stories) of our tipuna. It embodies their ways of life and promotes a holistic approach to living today. The phases of the moon remind me that regardless of the challenges I face, I remain whole.
In the pūrakau, the moon, known as Marama, is portrayed as a male entity with two wives—sisters Hinauri and Hinatea. Hinauri represents the dark side of the moon, embodying a more reserved and quiet essence, while Hinatea is the light maiden, characterized by her gentleness and light-heartedness. Together, they symbolize the balance between my private and public personas in this journey of self-discovery.
Poutama
stairway to heaven
As many of you will know the Poutama (stairway to heaven) pattern is found in Māori weaving and plaiting. Poutama has significant spiritual and educational meanings. The stepped pattern symbolises levels of attainment and advancement and the growth of man, striving ever upwards and for betterment.
