To The Floor - Pā Harakeke - Our Woven World - Ōtautahi
Background
DINZ and Milliken partnered on a competition To The Floor – Well-being 2023 that provided the opportunity for entrants to create a design inspired by how well-being felt to each individual.
The judges were impressed by Arnya Karaitiana's Pā Harakeke and this has now been developed into a collection of seven designs.
The Pā Harakeke Collection – Our Woven World is inspired by the journey of designer Arnya Karaitiana, Special Group, in celebrating identity, while achieving balance and overall well-being.
The Harakeke is an herbaceous plant with strong, sword-like leaves arranged in a fan-like pattern around the central growing point, called the ‘Rito’. In Māori culture, the Pā Harakeke (flax family) symbolises whānau (family), with the Rito representing a child, the adjacent leaves as parents, and the outer leaves as grandparents. The plant's structure illustrates interconnectedness and generational support, while the smaller muka fibers within the flax strands symbolise the unity and strength of the family.
This collection showcases seven intricate designs, ranging from the prominent Harakeke – The Flax to the subtle and delicate textures of Te Kākano – The Seed and Pakiaka – The Root. It represents various stages of evolution, featuring linear and directional patterns with diverse textures in designs such as Muka – The Fibre, Te Rau – The Leaf, Tuia – To Stitch, and Raranga – To Weave.
Together, these elements depict the plant's development and create a visually captivating effect.
Speaker(s)
Arnya Karaitiana
To The Floor - Pā Harakeke - Our Woven World
Arnya brings profound expertise from over 15 years in the arts, design, and advertising sectors. Her fervor lies in purposeful design, craftsmanship, and storytelling, all aimed at creating experiences that resonate deeply and foster positive change.
She focuses on her sense of connection, strength and resilience that a strong whānau (family) foundation presents, while acknowledging the many generations (multiple lines) past, present and future – that shapes her journey.