Making Hei

Date: Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July | 10.00am - 4.00pm

With Artist: Neke Moa

A celebration of Matariki by creating adornment through mātauranga Māori using materials as guides and storytellers. The new year is a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and plan for the future.

Join renowned artist Neke Moa for a transformative weekend Masterclass where you'll learn traditional Māori practices, create beautiful adornments from natural materials, and deepening your connection to Te Taiao (the environment), wairua (spirituality), and atua (spirits & god).

Together, students will be guided through the process of creating a taonga, hei taringa and hei kaki. Using materials from Taiao, stone, shell, bone, wood and fibre, we will discuss material culture, whakapapa and pūrakau, concepts of design and ideas for future making.

What You’ll Learn

Day One
You will gain a deep appreciation for nature's materials while learning traditional skills like hole-making and binding techniques. Attendees will create beautiful hei - traditional Māori adornments that grace the body. This includes the crafting of hei taringa and hei kaki (adornments for the ears and neck) using natural materials such as shell, fiber, and stone. You'll also learn to make earring hooks using silver wire and discover the cultural significance of hei taringa.

Day Two
In this session you will work to create your own unique Taonga continuing to develop your confidence and skills. This day’s focus will be more on hei kaki; designing and making a worn pendant.

To honour Matariki we will be sharing space, stories and experiences during this memorable creative Masterclass.

What You’ll Walk Away With:

• Understanding of materials, stories, matauranga Maori, stone and fibre.
• Technical skills like hole making and binding.
• Deepened connection to wairua and atua.
• Having created a finished tāonga and ideas for future projects.
  
  

This Masterclass is a unique opportunity for artists of all levels, from beginners to experienced.

Meet Your Tutor:

Neke Moa (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Ahuriri, Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa)

I am a Ringatoi, a maker and creator. My work traverses the space of tinana, wairua and hinengaro and our relationships with others. The focus of adornment is an inner and outer layer, an expression of who we are and how we want to travel in the world. The Atua provide my materials, shells, wood, stone, fibre and more.

I collaborate with tohunga to bring pūrakau Māori to life, giving them relevance in the now and remembering the challenges that Atua have already faced that people can learn from. Stories are shared through pieces, workshops and talks. Research and development are ongoing, visiting museum collections around the world, engaging with indigenous communities, holders of knowledge, building relationships with institutions and organisations. Following the pathways and trails of stone and ancestors. Most of all uplifting mātauranga māori and mana māori through evolutionary practice and mauritanga.

"Creating Tāonga with Neke was a profound experience. I left with a beautiful piece and a deeper connection to my culture." 

FAQ’s

Do I need any prior experience?
No, this workshop is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced artists.

What should I bring?
Some stones, shells, fibre and/or any materials you enjoy working with.

What will be provided?
Some stones, shells, fibre, copper, sterling wire and diamond burs.

Please also remember:

For health & safety in the jewellery studio: wearing closed shoes & having your hair tied back if it's long is essential. We will send you a reminder email closer to the time.