Artist Samsara Jade Champions Raranga Integrity in Global Design Collaborations

Auckland-based artist and designer Samsara Jade is highlighting the profound cultural foundations of raranga as her weaving gains international and commercial visibility. Speaking to Viva, Jade emphasised that traditional weaving and plaiting represent far more than surface aesthetics, carrying the whakapapa, stories, and memory of the tūpuna who were clothed by these practices for generations. Jade’s recent work, a taonga titled Te Whenua Manawanui, was recently installed in the new adidas store at Sylvia Park in Auckland. She described the opportunity to occupy a high-visibility contemporary space as "surreal," noting the importance of integrating Māori kōrero and identity into such collaborations. According to Jade, indigenous design should enter global markets based on an understanding of relationships and responsibilities rather than visual trends alone. On Friday, 21 August, Jade’s work will be featured at Auckland Museum as part of "Te Aho Tapu: The Sacred Thread." The event, which runs from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm, celebrates weaving, craft, and fashion. Her pieces will be displayed alongside taonga connected to the legacies of Dame Rangimārie Hetet and Diggeress Te Kanawa, two pivotal figures in the continuation of Māori weaving. Jade described the inclusion as an "incredible honour" that serves as a reminder of how contemporary creations can endure to inspire future generations. Originally a student of whakairo (carving), Jade transitioned to raranga after realising how various Māori art forms breathe alongside and support one another. She notes that the versatility of muka, the fibre from harakeke, allows for organic communication with the environment. Looking forward, Jade advocates for raranga to be recognized internationally on its own terms, balancing strong traditional foundations with the freedom to evolve through innovative contemporary expressions.