MĀTANGA RARANGA
Ngāpuhi Nui Tonu, Te Whakatōhea.
Born and raised in Te Tai Tokerau, Te Hemo Ata began weaving at 12 and has dedicated 47 years to the practice and transmission of rāranga, whatu, tāniko and tukutuku. She holds postgraduate and master’s qualifications in Māori Visual Arts from Massey University and delivers the Raranga strand of NorthTec’s Maunga Kura Toi Bachelor of Māori Art programme.
Grounded in tikanga Māori, her practice focuses on nuturing emerging artists through the integration of technical excellence, cultural knowledge and creative practice. In 2025 she was awarded the Northtec Research Excellence Award and currently serves as Te Tira Ranga Mātanga supporting Toi Ngāpuhi and and chairs Te Rōpū Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa, contributing to the advancement and revitalisation of Māori weaving throughout Aotearoa.