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Leah Pine


Name	Leah Pine
Iwi	Ngāti Tuwharetoa
School	St Mary's College
Year	13
Title	Ara Tātai - Destiny
Media	100% Black cotton calico, satin lining, satin bias, binding, banded feathers, macrame cord
Statement	This contemporary korowai is my Year 13 Design Technology project. I was given the opportunity to create and design a contemporary feathered kahu huruhuru kākāhu for the Tumuaki (Principal) of St Mary's College. I understood that korowai means for it to be traditionally woven using traditional techniques so I have used more contemporary materials and techniques. As a rangatahi and student who is living and growing with modern design, I am able to show values that are expressions of inclusion and this is important to me. The art of creating something different but still appreciating the culture is something that many mature opinions would disagree with. But as I call this 'Ara Tātai' I stand by the beauty not only for what it looks like, but because of the time and energy that was put into it. This is a work in progress (still to be finished with bias binding and cord ties) that to me holds mana and whakahī. I have worked with so many great artists who understand the tikanga and values and I am glad this garment is of graceful presentation.