This book describes the materials used by the Mori for weaving, the centuries-old rituals, and how to make some simple objects such as headbands, flax mats, baskets and through to tukutuku panel weaving. Colour illustrations of varieties of flax and line drawings of weaving instructions.

The weaving book centres on flax. Maori soon discovered the properties of harakeke ¿the wonder fibre¿, and have used it to create a huge range of useful and decorative objects, including baskets, mats, housing materials, clothing, ropes, and fishing nets. The construction of these articles records histories and stories, and acts as a cultural record.

Sir Hirini Moko Mead's book on taniko weaving, Te Whatu Taniko, Taniko Weaving: Tradition and Technique is recognised as a key reference work to this important tradition of Maori craft. First published in 1958 and in its previous edition in 1999, the book serves as a reference work to artists, enthusiasts, students and teachers . Te Whatu Taniko relates both the history and 'how-to' of Maori taniko weaving in one accessible volume. Clearly written with numerous illustrations and photos, the book describes the origins of weaving, its role in Maori society, contemporary expression, and steps towards learning the craft.

Anyone can learn to plait a kete whakairo from the long blades of harakeke, commonly known as New Zealand flax. This book Kete Whakairo plaiting flax for beginners gives detailed, step by step instructions and illustrations for plaiting a beginner's version of this type of kete. Margaret Rose Ngawaka first became interested in her native craft of plaiting when a group of tutors were invited to teach women in a small northern community on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand in 1998. Margaret Rose has maintained this traditional art and skill. She continues this folk art of Raranga by teaching others who are interested.

Creating useful and decorative pieces with natural materials is extremely enjoyable and satisfying. Many of the projects in this book can be achieved by those with little or no weaving experience, and there are projects that require some previous weaving knowledge for those who want to extend their weaving repertoire or who like a challenge. From delicate cords for jewellery to rugged hefty thick ropes used in outdoor art, from useful bottle carriers and decorative flask holders to toys for children and pets, window blinds and table runners, mobiles and fiery dragons, or Taniwha, this book shows how basic weaving, knotting and plaiting techniques can be used for the creation of any number of useful, fun, and beautiful items with wide appeal. With its strength, durability, flexibility while green and hardness when dry, New Zealand flax is an ideal material for weavers to create practical items as well as decorative pieces. As a sustainable and biodegradable resource, it is a perfect weaving material for a world with too much plastic.

This is a beautifully presented book featuring some stunning images and concise accounts of the concepts and values of traditional and contemporary Maori weaving. Featuring some of New Zealand's foremost Maori expert weavers, The Eternal Thread: The Art of Maori Weaving celebrates innovation and development of weaving and plaiting as art forms in modern times while acknowledging the technology developed by weavers through the past centuries.

Sir Timoti Karetu is one of the country's chief exponents of te reo Maori &– from leading the Maori Language Commission to producing a new generation of language experts through his teaching at Te Panekiretanga o te Reo Maori. He is also an unrivalled creator of waiata and haka, composing songs and judging at Te Matatini and other events.In this book, Sir Timoti shares his extensive experience in the artforms of haka and waiata &– from Maori songs of the two world wars to the rise of kapa haka competitions, from love songs to action songs, from Sir Apirana Ngata to Te Puea Herangi, and from Te Matatini to contemporary hui on marae. Throughout the book, he draws on exemplars of Maori song and haka, explaining form and meanings, maintaining his stance that Lyric is Paramount!Written in exemplary te reo Maori, Matamua ko te Kupu! will become a taonga of Maori knowledge and language.