No.1 Helper Strikes Again

My flax stash has been attacked and some of it relocated for her convenience.

We both persist - me putting it back, her pulling it onto the floor.  So far neither of us is giving in.

Waka Weekend (Festival Pt 3)

I'm finally recovering from a huge weekend that wa the launch of the NZ Festival; 2 big events, 2 lots of visitors one local and one international, two days of fabulous weather and most importantly 4 waka hourau/double hulled ocean going canoes.

Getting ready for the Friday night event in the harbour

 Two types of waka from the beach at Petone on Saturday 

 The waka from Samoa landing at Petone

A Week 'Away'

This week has been a small break from all things festival, more by accident than by design.  I spent most of it at the annual Maori Librarians Hui/conference an hour north of Wellington. Lots of great speakers, lots of ideas big and small and lots of fun too. The fun included an afternoon at the beach learning about local landmarks (in order north to south)...

 

Including Kapiti Island (in the background).

Festival Warmup Pt.2

Not a festival as such but last Tuesday was Waitangi Day, our national holiday. For me that meant most of the day spent with my weaving friends at the Wharewaka on the waterfront.  There was weaving, there were waka, there was a lot of talking and a lot of fun plus some coffee and fantastic cheese scones.

We set up inside the waka house

 Because the waka themselves were out on the harbour

 And I was enormously lucky to have my pake/capes on display as well.

Festival Warmup

February and March are festival season and today I had a little warmup before hitting the full festivals.  Today was Kapa Haka in the park, the regional championships, full programs from teams from all over, all fantastic.  Plus food and all sorts of other things on the side.  For me that meant fried bread with golden syrup, totally yum.

Number One Helper

As you may have seen in previous posts Huia is my number one weaving helper.  The last few weeks have seen me ramping up to finish some projects before February for a couple of events so there have been extra helping opportunities.

 She has even got a nest sorted for herself amongst my prepped flax.

Coming Down

There is still work being done bringing buildings down after the earthquake over 12months ago.  After months of nothing happening two buildings at our end of town are on the way down.

This is what remains of Defence House, next door to work.  A few people are gaining a nice harbour view.

 This is what remains of the Stats building on the waterfront.