He rongoā te toi speaks to the healing power of art. Through weaving, I found grounding, peace and balance within myself. It turned into more than just weaving things; it became a pathway to understanding who I am and who I want to be.
I believe art is rongoā. It can heal the mind, nurture emotional wellbeing, and strengthen spiritual connection. Art ties me to my ancestors, to the whenua, and to the present moment. It is a space of reflection, discipline, creativity, and freedom all at the same time.
While my style is not neccessarily traditional, I draw upon my Māori heritage in every piece I create. My work reflects both respect for Maori tradition and a love for contemporary elements. A balance between holding knowledge and allowing it to evolve in my own Marara type of way. I tend to try and utilise the things that I have at home to create with but also love rummaging through the opp shops for materials. I am very lucky to have whānau and friends who generously gift me beautiful taonga for my mahi too.
By trying new things, I continue to grow as an artist, although some of the projects I begin dont quite turn out as I had originally planned, I trust the process. I think that creativity itself is a form of healing for me, a way that I can just be me.
With this exhibition, I share not only my mahi toi, but part of my journey with you — a journey of self discovery, personal growth and wellbeing. I hope the works within He rongoā te toi can inspire others on their healing journey too.
Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa
He rongoā te toi reflects Marara Darlington-Paku’s belief that art is a form of healing — a pathway to identity and wellbeing. Through raranga and whatu, she has found grounding and connection. Weaving is not only her creative practice, but a space where her mind is still enough to look within and notice her thoughts and feelings. Many hours of monotonous preparation allow for just sitting and being in the present moment.
Marara learnt weaving within the Waitahanui community and is deeply grateful to have been welcomed and embraced by the weavers of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The lessons she learnt from them will influence her work for years to come.
Her connection to weaving began in childhood. At her total immersion primary school in Ōtaki, her favourite teacher, a talented artist — gifted her a beautifully woven pūtīputi for her 10th birthday. That moment left a lasting imprint and Marara knew that one day she would learn to weave. Marara believes that she was destined to weave. Her great-great-great Nanny and her namesake were both weavers. In addition, Marara comes from a lineage of highly skilled knitters from the Shetland Islands, which she believes influenced her love of tāniko.
Marara’s mahi toi is a mix between using traditional weaving techniques and contemporary materials, allowing her to explore texture, colour and styles. In her words she likes to “Just have a tutu” within her creative process.
Marara is also a proud Mum and treasures the balance she has found between whānau life and her art. Being able to be there for her tamariki while doing the mahi she loves is deeply important to her. For Marara, weaving is interwoven with everyday life.
Interested in seeing more of Marara’s work? Take a look at Darlington-Paku!
