Te Awamutu Museum Display: "Harakeke"

Story By Debra Kane

Harakeke, an exciting new display of items all made from flax, opens at Te Awamutu Museum on 24th March. Intricate kete, woven baskets and prestigious korowai, cloaks, from the museum collection are on display along with a photo essay showing how flax is turned into fibres ready for weaving.

A school programme is running to complement the display – book through the museum on 871 4326.

The display runs from 24th March – 30th June 2003.

Museum Flax Demo a Success

As part of the exhibition, local weaver Angela Puru hosted a public demonstration of flax weaving at the Museum on Saturday 29th March, which saw 62 people taking part.

Visitors to the museum were able to make their own woven flax taonga (treasure) and learn the principals of working with flax.

The demonstration was hugely successful and museum staff say they will hold another if there is a demand.

Te Awamutu Museum, 135 Roche St, is open 10-4 weekdays, 10-1 weekdays. Entry to the museum is by koha.
Te Awamutu is a scenic 25 minute drive from Hamilton.

Call Debra Kane, Curator, 871 4326 for further details debralk@yahoo.co.nz