Maunga Kura Toi Arts Research Partnership
Transdisciplinary Practice in Action
AwhiWorld values its longstanding partnership with Maunga Kura Toi, a toi arts programme represented by Lorraine King and Te Hemo Ata Henare. This tertiary/community/industry collaboration bridges traditional cultural practices with emerging technologies, fostering mutual learning and dynamic research.
We have conducted mutually enriching events and projects, including workshops on AI and Future Fibres (such as biomaterials, e-textiles, and iridescent fibres), publications, exhibitions, and labs.
In addition, AwhiWorld works with Maunga Kura Toi students who have projects using emerging technology.
The partnership has evolved from Kim Newall’s role as a tutor in the Applied Arts Programme (a partner programme, to Maunga Kura Toi in the same institution) and Dr Maggie Buxton’s role as an industry advisor on that programme’s Learning Advisory Committee. She is now on the Learning Advisory Committee for Maunga Kura Toi.
About our Partners
Lorraine King
Lorraine King (Ngāti Kahu, Te Whakatōhea) is a Rauangi Kaiako and Pathway Manager – Creative for Maunga Kura Toi. A painter by trade, Lorraine draws inspiration from her tribal heritage to explore cosmo-genealogical narratives and societal themes. She holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts from Auckland University of Technology and is pursuing her Master’s in Māori Visual Arts at Toioho Ki Apiti, Massey University. Lorraine has showcased her work in numerous exhibitions across New Zealand and internationally.
Te Hemo Ata Henare
Te Hemo Ata Henare (Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Wai, Te Whakatōhea) graduated from Toioho Ki Apiti, Massey University with a Master’s in Māori Visual Arts in 2017. Te Hemo Ata is a contemporary weaver with over 45 years of experience specialising in traditional weaving techniques. She began teaching Raranga at 19 and has contributed to group exhibitions and marae projects nationwide.
“We value our partnership with AwhiWorld it has broadened our knowledge of emerging technologies and the relationship with toi arts and also supported our students to access opportunities, ideas and practices that would not otherwise be possible. We look forward to more mutual mahi in the future.”
Lorraine King, Pathway Manager
Future Steps
Both Lorraine and Te Hemo Ata are esteemed kaiako within the Maunga Kura Toi programme in Te Tai Tokerau, recognized for their expertise in Ngā Toi (Māori Arts) and their contributions to national and international exhibitions.
Their partnership with AwhiWorld extends beyond teaching roles in their institution. They and their students actively participate in AwhiWorld labs, publications, and workshops, mutually supporting our understanding of the intersection of traditional and emerging practices.
We look forward to deepening our involvement and support of the programme, which is valued regionally as the only significant tertiary training body in Northland and nationally recognised for its high-quality research and innovation.
“Working with Maunga Kura Toi is soul nourishing for us. We gain as much as we give when we work with Lorraine, Te Hemo Ata and their students. Including some fabulous insights in the dynamic space between cultures, practices and technologies.”
Maggie Buxton, Director of AwhiWorld
