1983 – Pākirikiri Marae, Tokomaru Bay
1985 – Kokohinau Marae, Te Teko
1987 – Tunohopu Marae, Rotorua
1988 – Omaka Marae, Blenheim
1990 – Apumoana Marae, Rotorua
1992 – Taurua Marae, Rotoiti, Rotorua
1993 – Parihaka Marae, Taranaki
1995 – Te Reo Nihi Marae, Te Hāpua
1997 – Takahanga Marae, Kaikoura
1999 – Pākirikiri Marae, Tokomaru Bay
2001 – Kokohinau Marae, Te Teko
2003 – Awhitu Marae, Papaioea
2005 – Owae Marae, Waitara
2007 – Maraenui Marae, Maraenui
2009 – Takitimu Marae, Te Wairoa
2011 – Maketu Marae, Kawhia
2013 – Rautahi Marae, Kawerau
2015 – Roma Marae, Ahipara
2017 – Te Wai-iti Marae, Rotoiti, Rotorua
2019 – Ngā Hau e Whā Marae, Ōtautahi
2023 – Te Pūkenga Marae, Whangārei
2025 – Tarimano Marae, Awahou, Rotorua
List confirmed as of 2024
On behalf of Rangitāne and Manawatū weavers, hosts of the 2003 Weavers National Hui at Awhitū marae, Lovey Hodkinson offered ‘Rangimārie’ as a taonga aroha to Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa.
This waka huia, carved by Charlie Matenga of Rangimārie marae, was presented as a tribute to Emily Schuster, who served as the founding Convenor of Moananui-a-Kiwa Weavers (1983-1993) and Chair of Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa (1993-1997) and symbolised weavers of the past whose knowledge, excellence and expertise had kept the art form of raranga alive.
Serving Chair, Ranui Ngarimu accepted Rangimārie on behalf of Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa, dedicated the waka huia to carrying the mauri of the Weavers National Hui and presented to the hosts of the next hui at the poroporakī containing a koha to assist their preparations.
This practice has continued to the present, and in 2005, Taranaki weavers offered a kumete to hold ‘Rangimārie’.
Te Korowai o te Aroha
The vision of so many kākahu being worn for a whakaeke onto Awhitu marae in 2003 was described by one elder as resembling a huge cloak enveloping all participants. This vision was termed ‘Korowai o te Aroha’ and has evolved into a custom practiced on the pōwhiri day of Weavers National Hui since that time.
‘Korowai o te Aroha’ recognises loved ones who have passed on and commemorates those weavers to have passed since the preceding hui. Their family or friends bring their memory into the space of welcome by carrying photographs of their loved ones.