In celebration of Matariki, PAPA – Papatūānuku | Whakapapa returns to Auckland this June with a one-day event showcasing the finest woven wearable art.
Free to the public, PAPA brings the rich traditions of Māori weaving and cultural expression to life through fashion, music and performance, transforming arts centre Kāhui St David’s into a vibrant runway.
Artists Te Whaea Witika and Beronia Scott will curate the event. They are part of Te Puāwai Raranga – a collective of contemporary and traditional Māori artists and weavers based in Ōrākei, Auckland.
The showcase will feature a collection from across New Zealand. The pieces are woven from harakeke, natural fibres and upcycled materials such as plastic bottle caps, tivaevae and fast fashion waste. Some take up to a year to complete.
These works of wearable art will also be modelled by participants of all ages.
More than fashion
Witika says: “Now in its second year, PAPA – Papatūānuku | Whakapapa is more than a fashion event – it’s a celebration of community, culture and creativity. It showcases the artistry of Māori weaving alongside live performance, music and wearable expression.
“Through the works of wearable art that will be walked down the red carpet at Kāhui St David’s, we hope to inspire future generations to weave, care for the environment and continue the practice of using natural materials.”
Event highlights include:
- Kiri Wikiriwhi’s 2024 People’s Choice Award-winning piece, woven from recycled white box strapping using the traditional mautahi weave.
- Rosina Chan’s intricately designed pihepihe, featuring a dragon motif within a tāniko band – celebrating her whakapapa and mastery as a kairaranga.
A space for everyone
In addition to the stunning woven artworks, attendees can enjoy live performances from Te Whare Karioi, Maraea Mokaraka, music by DJ Jeremy Robb, and delicious food served by Te Whānau Toi Tupu – a collective of weavers raising funds for a cultural exchange trip to Thailand.
“We’re also inviting rangatahi (young people) from the local community, with students from nearby high schools gaining hands-on experience in the creative arts and proudly stepping onto the red carpet,” says Witika.
“Audiences will be part of the celebration too, through the People’s Choice Award – voting for their favourite piece and helping to recognise the incredible talent of our artists.”
Paul Baragwanath, director of the Friends of St David’s Trust, adds: “Hosting PAPA is a true privilege. This is a space for everyone – where cultural expression, performance and beauty meet.
“It’s a thrill to see these woven works of art come to life on the red carpet of the Great Hall of Kāhui St David’s. We are inviting people of all cultural backgrounds to come and celebrate Matariki, music and wearable art.”
This year’s featured artists include: Scott, Te Hemoata Henare, Ann Margaret Strickland, Takutai Watts, Rawinia Weeva, Rosina Chan, Alan Chan, Jennifer Pountney, Tūī Stewart, Waimirirangi Howell, Lisa Pahau, Marama Morehu Batiyaka, Kiri Wikiriwhi and Danny Horsford.
What: PAPA – Papatūānuku | Whakapapa – Woven Wearable Arts Showcase
When: Saturday 7 June 2025 | 1:00pm–3:00pm
Where: Kāhui St David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland
Tickets: Free entry – registration via Eventfinda
Website: www.kahuistdavids.nz
