Internationally renowned artist and storyteller Maungarongo (Ron) Te Kawa will be in Central Otago in mid-September giving workshops on textiles and connection.

As part of the ACE Festival of Adult Learning and Welcoming Communities Week, Central Otago REAP and Central Otago District Council are holding Whiria te Tāngata from September 5 to 14 - celebrating lifelong learning and the threads that connect people.

Ron will have two workshops: one in Bannockburn on Saturday September 13 and a second in Earnscleugh on Sunday September 14.

The textile artist and former fashion designer who currently lives in Woodville would be part of a week of events to promote hands-on learning and cultural exchange.

Whiria te Tāngata was a Māori whakataukī (proverb) meaning ‘weave the people together’. 

“It speaks to unity, connection, and belonging, the strength we gain when individuals and communities come together with shared purpose,” ACE team leader Emma McLean said.

Following a vibrant career in costume design and fashion, Ron dedicated himself to full-time art-making and teaching. In addition to producing his own elaborate whakapapa quilts, he also hosts sewing workshops, guiding participants to express their creativity and genealogy through fabric. 

His works are held in a wide range of private and public collections, including those of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, the Dowse Art Museum, and the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau.

A hands on workshop day at the Maniototo arts centre starts today (Friday September 5) from 9-3pm, for anybody wanting to drop in and learn about gardening, AI, voice and wellbeing.

At Alexandra Community House on Monday night (September 8), Lake Hāwea singer/songwriter Anna van Riel will offer vocal coaching.

Other events include a whakarongomai listening lounge session on September 11, involving stories from locals newcomers while enjoying South African cuisine.

More information about the week can be found here on the Central App community button.

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