Textile Workshop: Ron Te Kawa – Futures Crown Making

Textile Workshop: Ron Te Kawa – Futures Crown Making
Date: Saturday 1 August 2026
Time: 11am – 3pm
Venue: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery event space
Free, all welcome

Come and create a Futures Crown for yourself or for someone you love — a crown that tells your story.

Ko Pohautea te maunga,
Ko Waiapu te awa,
Te Whanau a Hineauta,
Te Whānau a Pokai nga hapu.

Everyone is royal. Everyone is beautiful. Everyone is extraordinary.

Did you know how amazing and special you are? Come and create a Futures Crown for yourself or for someone you love — a crown that tells your story.

Crowns are magic. They are for celebration, for remembrance, for aroha. In this joyful, hands-on workshop, you’ll be at the centre of your own story. Together we’ll explore creative ways to express your pepeha — your maunga, your awa, your stars, your whānau and beloved ones — all woven into a wearable taonga that blesses your future.

Matua Ron has been creating joyful clothing and art for over 40 years. He is currently part of our 2026 Puanga exhibition He Ao Āpopo, He Ao Tea: Māori Futures.

In association with Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, Matua Ron is creating a welcoming space for all ages and skill levels to come together and make crowns in joy.

All materials are provided — fabric, card, sparkly old clothes and new fabrics, glitter foam, bling, stick-on gems, and anything that shines. We’ll use hand sewing, glue guns, stickering, and more. Feel free to bring your own special materials, photos, magazines to collage. We can provide a sewing machine if needed!

Come celebrate who you are.

Come claim your crown. 👑