Late last year, Tāmaki Paenga Hira welcomed a rare 18th-century pauku (war cloak) to the museum, one of only five known to exist. Distinguished by its intricate two-directional tāniko border and striking black-on-black design created using paru (ferruginous mud), this remarkable taonga is now held within Te Aho Mutunga Kore, Tāmaki Paenga Hira’s textile and fibre knowledge exchange centre for Māori and Pacific communities.
This first public panel brings together leading voices including Rangi Te Kanawa and Rachel Barclay alongside members of Taumata Māreikura. Through short presentations and facilitated discussions, speakers will share insights into the journey and the movements of the pauku across time and place, as well as the knowledge and responsibility involved in its care. The evening will conclude with refreshments and an opportunity to connect.
Taumata Māreikura is a collective of esteemed Māori weavers comprising Dr Maureen Lander, Christina Wirihana, Matekino Lawless, Te Hemo Ata Henare, Dr Awhina Tamarapa, Dr Rangituatahi Te Kanawa and Dr Kahutoi Te Kanawa whose knowledge spans raranga practice, tikanga, and the stewardship of woven taonga. Their work is grounded in the transmission of knowledge across generations, supporting the protection, understanding and ongoing life of taonga such as the pauku.
Rachel Barclay is Curator at the Oriental Museum, Durham University, and has played a key role in the rediscovery and care of the pāuku. She works alongside Dr Rangituatahi Te Kanawa and Taumata Māreikura in an ongoing process of learning and collaboration, supporting its care through both museum practice and mātauranga Māori.