Whakakai Toroā

As a child, Hinepūororangi Tahupārae was fortunate to witness her father as an entrusted kaitiaki for kaakahu and taonga within whānau, hapū, and iwi collections. She understood kaitiakitanga through tasks such as regularly airing the korowai left by her grandfather to her father. Being around these taonga, being allowed to wear them, and watching how to care for them brought about an awareness and normality of taonga in everyday life. These early childhood experiences as a kaitiaki for taonga were integral to understanding the materials and processes used in the creation of these taonga. It is by the nature of her family's legacy that Hinepūororangi naturally pursued a deeper understanding and practice of creating kākahu. Hinepūororangi describes her own work as an expression of appreciation for taonga tuku iho, as an absolute privilege to have learned to protect this taonga over many years.

“My inspiration to create is drawn from respect and admiration for the weavers of old who left us a legacy to follow with the hope that one day I may in some small way contribute to the survival of this taonga” - Hinepūororangi Tahupārae   “Ko au te taupā kīhai i pūawai āku moemoea”I am the only impediment to the fruition of my dreams- Rangitihi Tahupārae