Members of the public had the opportunity to learn the art of raranga this week during a hands-on weaving workshop at Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi.

The workshop was led by members of Te Teko Raranga Group, a collective of weavers whose exhibition is on display in the gallery at the rear of the library.

Featuring the work of nine weavers, the exhibition celebrates traditional Māori weaving and showcases a range of finely crafted pieces made predominantly from muka (flax fibre), including kākahu (cloaks), kahu huruhuru (feather cloaks) and pākē (shoulder cloaks).

Group member Mark Sykes-Potae said the exhibition, which closes on July 18, also gives visitors an insight into the many stages involved in preparing harakeke for weaving.

“About 95 percent of the works are made using traditional materials,” he said. “People can also see the process, from harvesting the flax through to creating the finished piece.”

The Te Teko-based rōpū is guided by Priscilla Morrison, with members gathering regularly to share knowledge, develop their skills and continue the traditions of raranga.

Sykes-Potae, who has been part of the group for six years, said members come together because of their shared passion for weaving.

“It is a love of weaving, the making and gathering of materials,” he said. “It comes from a good space.”

He demonstrated how a mussel shell is traditionally used to strip harakeke leaves and extract muka.

“That is the way our tūpuna did it, and it has never changed. We are carrying on a legacy.”

He said being able to share those traditional techniques with the public during the workshop was especially rewarding.

Among those taking part was Nettie Keepa, who was teaching beginner Paola Giordana some basic weaving techniques.

Giordana said she was keen to improve her skills after learning simple weaving through the Halo Whakatāne conservation group, where volunteers make protective flax baskets for young native plants.

“My teacher said there are amazing weavers here today,” she said.

“I would like to make a basket for my house, so I came along. But it’s not as easy as it looks,” she laughed.

Keepa joined the Te Teko Raranga group just a year ago.

“I’m nearly 85 and I decided I’d start weaving,” she said. “They are an amazing group and I go at least once a week.”

Other exhibitors are Roberta Elliott, Richard Anderson, Taima Waikato, Kongahenuka Hunia, Emma Thomas, Nancy Kohu and Julie Ngamotu.

The Te Teko Raranga exhibition runs alongside Kuia Moko and E Awa Te Ara, and is open at the gallery inside Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi.