Celebrating Whakapapa Through Raaranga

This past weekend, whaanau from Kai Iwi, Te Aroha, Takirau, Kaipoo, Waipapa and Paakaraka gathered at Paakaraka Marae for the presentation of the papa whaariki created by a group of Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi kairaaranga for their respective marae.

The kaupapa began in May 2026 when experienced weavers from across Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi were invited to participate in a Papa Whaariki Waananga led by Master Kairaaranga Trina Taurua (Paakaraka Marae). The waananga centred on the creation of a papa whaariki, with whakapapa serving as the foundation and starting point of each weave.

Designed specifically for experienced weavers, the waananga focused on the skills, techniques and knowledge passed down by our tuupuna, while providing participants with the opportunity to create a taonga that would ultimately be gifted to their marae as a taa koha.

In addition to creating the papa whaariki, participants were introduced to techniques relevant to the creation of a kahu whakatere, further strengthening their capability in advanced weaving practices beyond the scope of the waananga.

While the waananga itself was held over a single weekend, its impact extended well beyond those few days. Grounded in intergenerational knowledge transfer, tikanga and whakapapa continuity, the kaupapa sought to ensure that the practice of papa whaariki remains within our whaanau and hapuu. Following the waananga, participants continued their weaving journey at home and at their marae, supported throughout by Trina’s guidance and expertise.

Trina descends from Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, Ngaapuhi, Whanganui and Ngaa Wairiki-Ngaati Apa. A Master Kairaaranga, she has dedicated more than 20 years to the kaupapa of raaranga and spent over a decade as a Raaranga Kaiako at Te Waananga o Aotearoa, sharing her knowledge and skills with countless tauira.

Following her time at Te Waananga o Aotearoa, Trina returned north to support restoration initiatives at her Ngaapuhi marae, Te Tii. Despite her many commitments, she remains deeply passionate about creating taonga for the marae of Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi and continues to share her knowledge across her iwi affiliations in Whanganui and Ngaa Wairiki-NgaatiApa. Her aspiration is to see papa whaariki created for every marae throughout Ngaa Rauru, Whanganui and Ngaa Wairiki-Ngaati Apa.

Te Kaahui o Rauru is proud to have supported this incredible kaupapa and congratulates all those involved in bringing these taonga to life. We look forward to seeing these magnificent papa whaariki displayed within our marae for generations to come.