Matariki 2025: Kupenga Raranga Workshop with Annitta Whiu-Cleal & Kiriana O'Connell

Matariki 2025: Kono Raranga Workshop

Kono Raranga - harakeke weaving workshops celebrate Matariki by weaving together people, stories and culture. Participants learn traditional Māori weaving from experienced artists creating beautiful pieces while sharing kai and korero. The workshops foster community, connection and cultural understanding. As people weave, they reflect on relationships, environment and the stars guidance. Raranga’s meditative quality promotes balance and harmony.

By joining, it’s a chance to slow down, appreciate nature and find common ground. Weaving becomes a metaphor for life- strengthening relationships and creating something beautiful together. Community and culture thrive.

Kai and light refreshments will be provided by DEPOT.

Annitta Cleal 

Ko Ngā Puhi ōku iwi 

E noho ana Kia te Te Raki Paewhenua, Tamaki Makaurau 

Ko Annitta Whiu-Cleal toku ingoa 

Annitta is a weaver based in Tamaki Makaurau, who weaves with harakeke, both in the natural form and muka. She weaves using both traditional and contemporary techniques, using the many patterns passed down from Te Whare Pora. She loves how raranga connects her to her tūpuna through the patterns, techniques and traditions, while continuing to always learn and share the knowledge. 

Ngā mihi 

Kiriana O'Connell  

Ko Ngati Raukawa-ki-te-Tonga, Ngati Tūkorehe oku iwi 

E noho ana ki te Raki Paewhenua, Tamaki Makaurau 

He kairanga ahau 

Kiriana O’Connell toku ingoa 

Kiriana O’Connell is a Tāmaki Makaurau based weaver who works with both customary and contemporary materials including harakeke, kiekie, pīngao, native and commercial dyes. She embraces traditional techniques and patterns in her work and is continually inspired by both the mastery and artistry of her ancestors. Raranga (flax-weaving) is a process that requires dedicated, careful and time-consuming preparation, it is this very process-based practice which allows her to connect into the continuum of weaving passed down by her ancestors and sustained for future generations.