About the artists
Ruth Port is a skilled weaver with ancestral ties to Te Aupōuri and Te Rarawa iwi. She began her weaving journey in Whaingaroa under the guidance of her first kaiako, Erangi Brodie. Ruth has shared her expertise through wananga across Aotearoa and the UK, including workshops at the British Museum. As part of Te Rā Ringa Raupā, she has contributed to the research and recreation of the ancient Māori woven sail Te Rā, and is dedicated to preserving Māori weaving traditions. Based in Ahipara, Ruth continues to inspire others through her teaching of raranga as both an art form and a living practice.
Mandy Sunlight is a fibre artist based in Ōmanaia, Hokianga, with a deep connection to weaving that began at age nine, inspired by the sight and smell of a kuia weaving. At 19, Mandy studied under master weaver Emily Schuster and has been weaving ever since. Passionate about teaching, she has led wananga across Te Tai Tokerau, sharing her skills with whanau and community. Her focus is on maintaining and expanding their kōrari crop, exploring traditional dyeing techniques, creating cloaks, and collaborating with artists from other mediums. Mentored by Maureen Lander and Toi Te Rito Moihi, Mandy now mentors others and works as a self-employed fibre artist. Her involvement in recreating Te Rā with Te Rā Ringa Raupā is the culmination of her lifelong dedication to preserving Māori weaving traditions.
