Kete Harakeke - Matekino Lawless (QSM)

Artist: 

Matekino Lawless

Matekino has been weaving for over seventy years and tributes her learning to the people of the Ngati Pikiao tribe,Te Arawa . Matekino is a respected elder, well known as a Weaver among her people and a role model that emphasizes quality as her benchmark.

During her early weaving years Matekino preferred to weave within the comfort of her home with her family. Her passion for weaving has encouraged her to look beyond her family and frequently enjoys sharing her expertise of Toi Raranga, Whatu and Tukutuku with people who are keen to learn.

The contribution Matekino has made to the Art of Weaving has gained national recognition and acknowledgement by being awarded the Queens Service Medal (QSM), Creative NZ: Te Waka Toi: Kingi Ihaka Art Award and Te Waka Toi Supreme Award, Te Tohu Aroha mo Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Her valued skills and expertise continue to be recognised nationally and internationally with frequent invitations to travel abroad with her daughter, Christina. Matekino is a foundation member of the Kahui Whiritoi under the auspices of Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa National Weavers’ Committee, Toi Maori Aotearoa. Christina has recently been given the honor and now joins this auspicious Kahui Whiritoi alongside her mother, Matekino.

This unique mother and daughter partnership has drawn much interest from national and international weavers, by sharing inter generational expertise as a team. Frequent visits to Evergreen State College Longhouse Education and Cultural Centre, Olympia, State of Washington and University of Hawaii Manoa have been two of her highlights.

Iwi Affiliation:

Te Arawa Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Whawhakia