Betso Weaving

Sonia weaves with harakeke (NZ flax) that she harvests following appropriate tīkanga, as taught through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. She creates pieces that will be practical to some and brighen the day to others. These taonga are a gift from nature, a gift of aroha to all of us and to our loved ones. They are the perfect gift to represent Aotearoa New Zealand.

"Nō Marakāhia, nō Haina, nō Itāria ōku tūpuna, I tipu ake au ki Wīwī. E noho ana tōku ngāku ki Tāmaki-Makaurau, ko Ōtautahi tōku kāinga ināianei, ko Sonia ahau."

Although Aotearoa is not her birthplace Sonia feels a sense of connection to te Ao Māori as weaving was also practiced by her ancestors in Madagascar. Sonia is an educator and she weaves in schools and provides Professional Development to kaiako across Aotearoa NZ to ensure that the art of raranga becomes embedded in every school's curriculum.

Sonia is eager to complete a traditional kupenga (fishing net) and has designs of wall hangings in her head that she hopes to complete in time for Christmas.

When she is not harvesting or weaving, Sonia learns, teaches, and gets inspired by her daughter.