Poroporoaki for Erenora Puketapu-Hetet

Dr Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia; Co-leaders, Maori Party

Monday 24 July 2006

He toi whaakairo, he mana tangata Where there is art, the people flourish

The Maori Party is greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Te Atiawa expert weaver, Erenora Puketapu-Hetet.

"Erenora was a practising artist, teaching and weaving for more than twenty-five years who has inspired generations forever after with her distinctive artwork" said Tariana Turia, co-leader, of the Maori Party.

"Her skills in traditional raranga leave behind an enduring legacy of a woman who contributed so much to reviving our traditional weaving and in doing so, in strengthening and enrichening tangata whenua in today's times".

"Erenora's work bears the imprint of those before her, who guided her in the art and unique protocols of Maori art and design" stated Dr Pita Sharples, co-leader, and party spokesperson on arts, culture and heritage.

"When we look at her work we think of those who have influenced her, such as the late Rangimarie Hetet, and the influences from her love for her Waiwhetu whanau" stated Dr Sharples.

"But she also expanded the artform considerably through her contemporary weaving, with use of metal alongside, fibre, paua and feathers. And she had a passionate interest in politics and the issues of the day, which she wove into her taonga, such as the 'Sealord Cloaks'".

"Together with her husband, master carver Rangi, she represented Maori art and design overseas in many hui, wananga, art galleries, museum and exhibitions".

"Her influence was truly international - just last year Rangi and Erenora created the carved wooden pou and woven tukutuku panel for the NZ Embassy in Warsaw, Poland - and their work at Hetet Studios was commissioned and exhibited in numerous forums at home and overseas" said Dr Sharples.

"The nation will mourn the loss of Erenora as a respected and treasured artist who has contributed so much of the 'eternal thread' to our cultural world" said Tariana Turia. "Our understanding of kakahu, taaniko, tukutuku, piupiu, kete, hieke, rourou and other taonga is endowed with the spiritual strength and vision she invested in all her work".

"Our heartfelt aroha goes to her husband Rangi, her children, her mokopuna and all her whanau".

ENDS

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