PAPA is a free, public, wearable arts showcase, fashion parade and musical event created by Te Puāwai Raranga, a weavers collective based at Ōrākei, Auckland.

New, and the most experienced, weavers share their creations, exploring traditional, plant-based practices and up-cycled materials including plastic blinds, cable ties, fast-fashion and recycled garments, to celebrate Māori art and culture and to raise awareness of the need for environmental change.

The name PAPA comes from Papatuanūku (Earth Mother) and Whakapapa (genealogy), which are interconnected. Te Whaea Witika, Te Puāwai kaitārai, says “PAPA is designed to inspire our younger and future generations to nurture our environment and to motivate them to keep up the practice of the old ways of using natural resources”.

Witika says the group has to travel outside Tāmaki to gather the natural resources for weaving. “Climate change is affecting where we can harvest our resources and now we have to whakawhanaungatanga with other iwi to source the material for our work”.

PAPA is for all Aucklanders to come together to experience live performance, music, weaving, art, fashion and community connection. Presented in partnership with Kāhui St David’s centre for music and the performing arts.