Hon Tariana Turia
Co-Leader, Maori Party
31 July 2009 Media Statement

Poroporoaki: Diggeress Te Kanawa

Tariana Turia expressed today the Maori Party’s sadness at the passing of Diggeress Te Kanawa, one of Aotearoa’s most prestigious Maori weavers.

“Diggeress was a vessel of knowledge for the survival and renaissance of raranga, whatu, and taniko,” Mrs Turia said.

“Diggeress was also a great example of the excellence that can be achieved by Maori when nurtured and taught by our mothers, our kuia and koroua in a traditional setting.

“Diggeress’ legacy of weaving will remain strong because she passed so much of her knowledge onto hundreds if not thousands of young people.”

“Because of Diggeress’ love and commitment to Maori fibre art, Maori have been able to hold on to one of the most beautiful art forms in the world.

We grieve with all her whanau, for a beautiful kuia, who shared her talents so generously with the people.

“Our condolences go out to Diggeress’s children, mokopuna and her people of Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Kinohaku who will surely miss her.

"Diggeress was reknown for saying: ‘Puritia nga taonga a o tatou tupuna: Hold fast to the treasures of our ancestors.’ And she was one who definitely practiced that.

Through her life commitment to maintain the art of Maori fibre, Diggeress and her whanau inspired innumerable others by passing on her knowledge through wananga, workshops, lectures and exhibitions.

ENDS

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