Purewa Hodge (Taranaki Tūturu / Ngāti Tama-rongo / Muaūpoko)
“Purewa is renowned for her beautiful, fine white muka kahu that falls across the shoulders.
She has made kahu for prominent figures in Te Ao Māori, including Rawiri Waititi, Mihirangi Forbes, Annabelle Lee Mathas, Hana Tapiata, and many more. Her work is in high demand, with many people coveting it for her innovative designs and expert craftsmanship.”
- Nikau Hindin (Ngāpuhi / Te Rarawa / Ngati Tūpoto), artist
Introducing your instructor
Purewa is a highly regarded practitioner of traditional Māori weaving, specialising in raranga and whatu muka.
Her woven taonga are held in the collections of Te Papa Tongarewa and the Natur und Mensch Museum in Germany.
Supported by Manatū Taonga, she has researched traditional applications of whale oil within raranga practice and is a recipient of the Ngā Manu Pīrere award from Creative New Zealand.
Known for her distinctive muka kākahu, she is widely sought after and remains committed to preserving her craft through workshops and community engagement.
“I’m honoured to care for a taonga woven by Purewa that will grow with our whānau and adorn us throughout the different kaupapa and special moments in our lives. Nōku te whiwhi.”
— Hana Tapiata (Ngāti Tarāwhai), writer“Purewa’s adornment piece is one of the most skillful and beautiful works I have had the pleasure to wear. Her combination of techniques - the weaving patterns and hanging components - is lusciously feminine, and I feel poised, confident, and truly special when wearing it.
It offers a respectful nod to culture, ceremony, and the history of raranga. I greatly admire Purewa’s work and look forward to collecting further pieces in the future.”
— Jade Townsend (Ngāti Kahungunu / Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi), artist“Purewa made my kahu muka, which I will cherish for a lifetime and pass on to my mokopuna. I wear it on special occasions, and it makes me feel closer to my tūpuna when I wear it.
Working with muka is the most highly skilled practice within our Māori customary traditions, and retaining these weaving skills for future generations is paramount. Purewa’s work is inspiring a new generation of weavers because her designs are refined, elegant, and made for contemporary occasions.”
— Nikau Hindin (Ngāpuhi / Te Rarawa / Ngati Tūpoto), artist“It’s a privilege to have access to Purewa and her wealth of knowledge, working with her muka during her workshop. It is awesome to learn from someone who is willing to share her secrets and has the patience to teach them!
Ngā mihi Purewa!”
— Ming Ranginui (Te Ati Haunui-a-Pāpārangi), artist