Raranga Workshops
Explore the Māori art form of raranga (weaving). Whether you’re new to weaving or are looking for an opportunity to further develop your practice, this programme offers a range of project-based tasks to learn about the cultural practices of toi (arts) with master weaver Amber Bridgman. All materials supplied.
Introductory Workshop:
Join Amber for a hands-on three hour session learning the basics of how to weave. This is a beginner’s level workshop, so no previous experience is required. Suitable for ages 14+.
Bookings essential.
Josephine Foyer
** Note: this introductory wānaka has been moved from Saturday 10 July to Tuesday 13 July **
Raranga Workshops
Explore the Māori art form of raranga (weaving). Whether you’re new to weaving or are looking for an opportunity to further develop your practice, this programme offers a range of project-based tasks to learn about the cultural practices of toi (arts) with master weaver Amber Bridgman. All materials supplied.
Intermediate Workshops:
Build on your weaving skills and learn a variety of techniques and designs to increase the scale of your project and advance your skills in mahi raranga. Previous experience is required.
Bookings essential.
Josephine Foyer
Please join us to celebrate the season of Puaka and Matariki in Ōtepoti Dunedin, as we come together for a harakeke weaving workshop. Tutor Zoe Hikairo Morehu (Ngāti Maru ki Hauraki) will guide us through the tikanga of harvesting and using harakeke and the safe use of tools required for weaving.
This is a beginner’s level workshop, so no previous experience is required. Suitable for the entire family; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments will be served following the workshop.
Spaces limited; bookings recommended.

Walk and talk with knowledgeable guides to learn about traditional uses of native plants displayed in the NZ native plant collection. Rua McCallum (Ngāi Tahu) will focus on plants used for the manufacture of textiles. Author Rob Tipa (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu) will look at some of the treasured taoka plants used in daily life by early Southern Māori. Musician Alistair Fraser will compare live plants with their final form as traditional Māori musical instruments. The Botanic Garden’s latest brochure, Treasured Plants Trail will also be launched.
Dunedin Botanic Garden, Opoho – location will be notified on booking
Saturday 29 June, 1.30‒3pm, rain or shine. FREE; limited places – registration essential
Contact dcc@dcc.govt.nz 03 477 4000
Toi Maruata Workshop and Exhibition
Delve into Te Ao Māori through mahi toi – art making. Learn about tikanga and the knowledge embedded in raranga weaving, whakairo carving and other media, and share stories of our ancestors in the spirit of the season in this introduction to Toi Maruata lead by Mawera Severn.
All material and resources are provided. Saturday includes an exhibition of the beautiful mahi produced by our students.
Te Wānanga o Aoteraoa, 51 Macandrew Road, South Dunedin
Thursday 27 June, 10am – 12pm and Saturday 29 June, 1– 3pm. FREE
Age 16+; places limited – register ahead
Contact massimiliana.urbano@twoa.ac.nz 03 353 6560 twoa.ac.nz
Toi Maruata Workshop
Delve into Te Ao Māori through mahi toi – art making. Learn about tikanga and the knowledge embedded in raranga weaving, whakairo carving and other media, and share stories of our ancestors in the spirit of the season in this introduction to Toi Maruata lead by Mawera Severn.
All material and resources are provided. Saturday includes an exhibition of the beautiful mahi produced by our students.
Te Wānanga o Aoteraoa, 51 Macandrew Road, South Dunedin
Thursday 27 June, 10am – 12pm and Saturday 29 June, 1– 3pm. FREE
Age 16+; places limited – register ahead
Contact massimiliana.urbano@twoa.ac.nz 03 353 6560 twoa.ac.nz

Join Amber Bridgman (Rabuvai, Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe, Kāi Tahu) for a fun-filled few hours learning to weave. This is a beginner’s level workshop, so no previous experience is required.
Toitū OSM Josephine Foyer, 31 Queens Gardens, Dunedin
Saturday 22 June and Saturday 6 July, 11am – 2pm. $10 each – bookings essential
Book at the Toitū reception desk or by telephone
Contact 03 477 5052 toituosm.com
Join expert weaver Blondie Ngamoki for this all-ages star-making workshop and take your harakeke whetū creation home! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dunedin Public Art Gallery, 30 The Octagon, Dunedin
Sunday 22 July, 1‒3pm. FREE
Contact lcullen@dcc.govt.nz 03 474 3249 dunedin.art.museum
The Apartment, Te Whare and Link Centre clients, tāngata whaiora and support staff from across Dunedin and Balclutha will celebrate Puaka Matariki with a fun-filled day. It will include flax weaving, kapa haka including a performance from Wairua Pūhou, and hākari of hāngī, fried bread and pudding. Poetry readings from tāngata whaiora and music by the Pact staff band will keep us entertained. Grab a mic and join in! We will open with karakia and local kaumātua will also present a Puaka Matariki kōrero.
174 Princes Street (access via 35 Dowling Street), Dunedin
Wednesday 11 July, 9am ‒ 4pm. FREE ‒ confirm your attendance with Michelle.
Contact michelle.anderson@pactgroup.co.nz