Collection: Tira

Tira lives and works in Hokianga, a place where the balance of sky to land, sound to silence, and solitude to serenity feels close to perfect. It is, in many ways, a kind of paradise for makers.

Hokianga is also home to many Pacifica women who gather and connect through traditional craft practices. Through these shared spaces, they honour their ancestral ties to the land and each other.

Tira learned the art of traditional weaving from ancestors, and through this lineage, she responds to cultural traditions and dance with her hands. Her work is a continuation,  a living thread that passes knowledge to the next generation and uplifts her community, just as art once helped shape her own journey as an artist.

Using locally sourced harakeke (flax), Tira prepares muka by hand. Every step from harvesting to dyeing is done in harmony with the land. Her family lineage includes migration to Aotearoa, and her weaving blends traditional techniques with contemporary influences. This approach offers a fresh and encouraging perspective for younger generations.

Tira’s artistic practice often explores feminine spirit and strength from goddesses and Kaitiaki (guardians) to themes such as menstruation and colonial legacies, including ornithological collections and their imposed interpretations of nature. Her work carries both seriousness and humour, always imbued with a sense of wonder and structural beauty.

With an innate sensitivity and deep respect for her materials, Tira's weaving holds a powerful presence. Her pieces are cherished in homes and spaces where people can connect with the rich textures and stories of tradition.