Helena James (Harakeke Haven)
Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Tutemohuta
Te Rarawa, Ngati Whatua

I am a descendant of many generations of kairaranga/flax weavers, and as I have matured I have discovered that raranga is an integral part of my identity.
Thirty years ago, when my older sister taught me how to make putiputi/flax flower, I made my first sale to the Taupō gallery - Kura.
Over the years, friends and whanau have shared weaving lessons, which inspired me to further my educational experiences through:- TWOA (Mangere Campus) - 3yr Raranga Diploma; Art by Riwa (Napier) - Wahakura/DHB Baby Bassinets; and Muka Whatuora (Ahipara) - 1yr Muka.
I have shared raranga with children, adults, educators and teachers at many schools, camps, libraries as well as in my home.
After 11yrs of living in Whitianga, I have joined a few groups:- Kuaotunu Women Artists; MAFA, holistichealthcollective.co.nz, Toi Tuwharetoa in Taupō and now MBAE. I am also a member of Nga Turuturu o te Tara, a weavers collective from Colville down to Waihi.
My passion is to learn, share and teach, be it traditional or contemporary, but always with aroha/love.