Māniatoto residents are celebrating cultural awareness and inclusion with the return of two popular CO REAP courses, offering residents valuable opportunities to learn and connect.

This week marked the start of the latest harakeke weaving and te reo courses, led by tutor Marcanui at Māniatoto Arts Centre in Ranfurly.

On day one of the harakeke weaving course, participants were taught how to identify the plant, and how to harvest it, followed by a karakia.

They were also taught how to look after the plant so it would always provide for the community.

Armed with enough harakeke to begin their projects, the group returned to the arts centre to transform it into single-use disposable containers.

In the coming weeks they will learn how to make a two-corner basket, similar to a pencil case, a four-corner basket and a kete pīkau, similar to a backpack, followed by waikawa, a style used to create a playmat or basket.

Among those taking part in the 10 week harakeke weaving course is Amie Pont, who attends as many courses as she can.

She said it was a great way to meet new people, keep active and connect.

“These classes teach tikanga/Māori practices, explore historical events, teaches te reo and provides [an] understanding of the opportunities celebrating our culture creates.”

Me te wai kōrari (as sweet as the honey of the flax), she said.

“It's joy in the small things. It's hearing the exclamation of an 'AHA' moment or seeing someone finishing a kete. It's seeing what it does for everyone's mental health. Hearing people getting to know each other. Holding each other's pepi/babies. Sharing kai, a space for karakia and being able to ask the hard questions in a safe and non-judgmental environment.”

She said the classes were “very important” for rural communities and thanked CO REAP for its support in helping Māniatoto Community Arts & Cultural bring the classes to the Māniatoto Arts Centre.

She said the Community Trust of Māniatoto had also played a role by helping fund travel for Marcanui to bring his skills to the community.

Marcanui has provided his knowledge and support to the community over recent years, including the lead up to the Māniatoto’s first Matariki celebrations, when the public holiday was first acknowledged.

Amie, along with weaver Karen Munro, put in some long hours at the Patearoa Lounge making adornments for the community kapa haka to wear for the occasion.

Marcanui assisted by spending many hours plaiting the harakeke and Judy Hawkins, of En Hakkore, made skirts.

The kapa haka group adorning the uniforms created for Māniatoto’s first Matariki celebrations. PHOTO: Phil Flannery

Amie then dyed the harakeke deep blue to resemble the sky and waterways, and added red flowing tussock - recognising when Māori named the Māniatoto (Plains of Blood).

Amie, like everyone in the harakeke weaving course, is building on her skill base.

She encourages anyone thinking about taking part in one of the CO REAP courses in the future to do so.

“Nau mai, haere mai! Welcome, come and join. I said to one of my friends who just started this term, it's just so hard to explain to anyone else what the classes are like and then you experience one and can't get enough! It's a wonderful way to meet new people in the community.”

To learn more about the courses visit The Central App's CO REAP Courses button.

Read more: Māniatoto pottery group regains traction

Read more: Digital phone courses answering a call in Central