Matariki Talk - Te Rā Project

Mandy Sunlight will talk about the quest to rediscover the lost weaving skills used to make Te Rā, a Māori woven sail.

In 2010 Mandy Sunlight and other weavers started the initial research on Te Rā, the only woven Māori sail in existence. The sail is held in storage at the British Museum in London, where it has been for over 200 years.

Fast-forward to 2022 and the work to recreate Te Rā is continuing with the Tai Tokerau based rōpu kairaranga (weavers), Te Rā Ringa Raupā (TRRR) mentored by Dr Maureen Lander.

TRRR have thoroughly researched and perfected the methods and techniques of weaving Te Rā. They have successfully managed and passed many milestones on their ‘voyage of knowledge reclamation’ to reproduce the ancient sail.

Mandy and TRRR wānanga monthly at Whirinaki, in the Hokianga to achieve their goals. This involves working 12 to 16 hours a day. “It's full on mahi, both physically and mentally” said Mandy.

Come along and hear the story of this remarkable project.

No booking required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please visit our website for more information.

Picture of weaving courtesy of Te Rā Ringa Raupā.