This exhibition is a celebration of the traditional practice and pedagogy of whatu kākahu. Cloaks that whānau Māori have made for their mokopuna, tamariki and whānau will be on display. Alongside these storied cloaks are a photo of the kaiwhatu(weaver) and a letter they have written to their mokopuna.
The series of monthly wānanga held over a 2 year externally funded research project built a whatu community of practice across three rūmaki reo (total immersion te reo Māori units) in 3 central Auckland schools. Video footage, images, and interview data snippets gathered and consented through the research project accompany the display of kākahu as a visual record of reflections from the whānau re-telling their experience of learning and activating this creative form of intergenerational transmission of language and toi Māori.
There will be space for interactive feedback for visitors to the gallery and weekend time for kaiwhatu (weavers) to come together and whatu.
Hinekura Smith – Exhibitor and Organiser
Kim Penetito – Exhibitor and Organiser
Cora-Allan Twiss – Curator
