I grew up in Colville, under the mountain Moehau, where I lived in a small community called Motu Moana, one of the many communities around Colville (25km north of Coromandel township). At an early age I was introduced to weaving harakeke by a close family friend who inspired me to learn this art-form. This friend and kaiako is a descendant of a renowned weaving whanau. We still weave together to this day. From the age of fifteen I have continued my learning under the strict and supportive wing of Nici Greulich. I am very grateful to both of these women for sharing their knowledge, passion and time.
I began to pursue weaving seriously when my second child was born seven years ago. The smell of harakeke represents home to them. It is important to me that my children grow up understanding the importance of tikanga around weaving, and experience making things by hand.
I enjoy weaving harakeke into many different objects, both useful and ornamental. Simple projects bring a meditative feeling and complex projects continually challenge my learning. There is always something new to discover. Weaving is something you can do anywhere, without complex tools or canvasses.
All of my flax is sourced from the northern Coromandel Peninsula. I believe the plants carry the special nature of this place into my work. I carefully select individual leaves based on the project they are going to be part of.
Each piece of my work is unique and individual and carries the lifeforce of place and my family into your home.
I currently teach weaving at Te Wharekura o Manaia and teach adult classes occasionally. I enjoy passing on my love for this art-form and hope to plant this passion within others.