Waikato Rocks

My pathway and passion for mahi rāranga (Māori weaving) have grown and led me to many opening avenues. My passion began through listening to mum talking about her grandmother Herero Rongo. She was a weaver and the last elder that wore moko kauwae.
My dad Te Naue Wirihana Marshall, was my first teacher, never knew it then, but I watched him make Hīnaki (eel traps). He harvested all his natural resources for the ngahere (bush), kareao (Supple jack) and harakeke (flax). Later, as he got older, he utilised modern resources.

My dad inspired me so much, a keen fisherman, we would set the nets and gather the Kai. I also found out after many years my dad’s mum, Whakaotirangi Ranga wove.
One of my signature collections, flax waka tupapaku (caskets), is designed specifically with reference to my father’s whanau tradition of caring for the dead.
While attending Epsom girls Grammar, I learnt Tāniko (finger weaving) and basic weaving rāranga from books. Later I attended Te Kura Tini o Waikato and completed a 3-month Māori weaving course, With Kaiako Rama Kete. I learnt so much, the foundation to what I have never stopped doing, exploring, exhibiting, teaching, and well, the beginning of my forever journey.