The whānau of Dame Tariana Turia have revived an ancient tangihanga practice, saying the late Kahurangi didn’t want to be laid to rest in a coffin, but instead to be wrapped in harakeke using the process of Kahu Whakatere.
The practice, which is based on tikanga Māori, uses a waka or transporter made of natural wood, rather than a coffin. The body is also wrapped in a kōpaki (mat) which is made from harakeke.
A group of eight local weavers undertook the process at the whānau’s request.
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One of the weavers, Julie Herewini of Ngāti Rangi and Te Ātihaunui a Pāpārangi said it was a huge honour and privilege.
“Hugely special to rarangahia our aroha into her waka that will carry her on her final journey,” Herewini said.
“All of us have personal relationships with Aunty because of the type of person aunty was. She made time and she made effort to have personal relationships with everybody.”
After discussions with the whānau, kairaranga Trina Taurua, Mereana Stanley, Manaia Ratana and Jenny Firmin began the process by weaving three papa whāriki (mats) that formed the base of the kahu whakatere.
The tane created the amo out of mānuka, bound with taura to form the tūāpapa (foundation) on which the papa whāriki sits.
“Once aunty was brought back to the marae and following the pōhiri we were then able to take aunty in the whare where the whānau were able to wrap her in the kahu whakatere,” she said.
“It was a stunningly beautiful process.”
The final step will take place after the poroporoaki tonight, when she will be closed up.
The piece will be placed over the top of her head and then folded into the kahu whakatere, completing the process.
