For those seeking authentic Pacific wares in one spot, Auckland’s The Edge is showcasing quality items made by Pacific matriarchs or The Mamas, but only until Wednesday.
Until July 30, The Edge will be host to as the Waitakere Pacific Arts and Cultural Centre which specialises in giving the Pacifica experience in New Zealand.
On level five, the group will be teaching pre-booked groups how to dance and weave Pacific style.
This weekend the group will be teaching a small class for those who have an interest in trying something new.
Project Manager Tuaratini of Cook Island descent says it is important to buy Pacific items from a place like this market in order to ensure authenticity.
“We always say it’s always good to get it from an authentic source. We’re very grass roots here.”
She says because the items are sourced directly from the islands, there is no middle man, so prices stay reasonable even though they are hand made and the real thing.
Items such as a good quality kava or yaqona bowl can be found here, along with woven bags, tivaevae, traditional Rarotongan dress and mother of pearl necklaces.
The group is very much a family affair, one of the vendors, Kura Manavoroa, hailing from Arorangi in Rarotonga, points at the people hosting classes and selling Pacific items saying, “we’re all related in one way or another.”
Her aunty, Sarah Williams, looks after the table across from her and her Uncle Heimana Jonesson, teaching a class on Pacific drumming and dance.
Kura says they usually sell their items at the Otara flea markets on Saturdays and Avondale markets on Sundays but will stay at The Edge this weekend.
Markets open at 10am and admission is free.
