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.
DINZ Interview
To The Floor - Well-being: The Pā Harakeke Collection - Our Woven World
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.
Arnya Karaitiana born in Hastings, Aotearoa, New Zealand is of Māori decent – Rangitāne, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Arawa. She shares her unique indigenous perspective from her Te Ao Māori view of the world, through an expression of connection, exploring the relationships between people and place – 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.
“To achieve balance within oneself, one must be intimately familiar with one's identity. Knowing who you are and where you stand in the world informs optimum physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.”
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.
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.
“When the layers of our existence – our whakapapa – are balanced, we are well.
When those who stand beside us – our whānau – are present, we are well.
When the lines from generation to generation are open and connected, we are well.
When we’re comfortable with who we are and where we stand in the world, we are well.
Understanding all of this is grounding... being grounded is achieving balance... and balance is well-being.”
