Celebrated Master Weaver Roka Hurihia Ngarimu-Cameron Passes Away

Roka Hurihia Ngarimu-Cameron, a renowned master weaver and cultural advocate, passed away on June 10, 2023, at the age of 76. Ngarimu-Cameron dedicated her life to preserving traditional Māori weaving and nurturing young people, leaving a profound legacy in New Zealand’s cultural landscape.

Born on July 27, 1948, in Ōpōtiki, she was a member of several iwi, including Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Te Arawa, Whakatohea, Ngāti Awa, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Her connection to her heritage was reflected in her work, which celebrated Māori traditions while fostering understanding of cultural diversity.

Ngarimu-Cameron was an internationally recognized artist and tohunga raranga (master weaver). She co-founded the Te Whānau Arohanui charitable trust in Dunedin, which focused on providing care and support for tamariki (children) in need. Her husband of 50 years, Kerry Cameron, described her as “a legend,” noting her commitment to showcasing indigenous artwork both nationally and internationally.

In 2008, Ngarimu-Cameron earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Otago Polytechnic School of Art. Her dissertation examined the fusion of traditional Māori weaving and loom weaving, culminating in an exhibition at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. In recognition of her contributions to Māori culture, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2011.

Kerry Cameron highlighted her tireless work ethic, stating that community groups frequently sought her expertise in weaving. “Every day was a new challenge because she would never sit idle,” he remarked. Ngarimu-Cameron’s commitment to community service extended beyond her immediate cultural sphere; she actively supported various groups, including schools and churches, in understanding and upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Her innovative approach to weaving included a pioneering technique that combined traditional hand-weaving methods with modern tools, significantly reducing the time required to create korowai (ceremonial cloaks) from years to months. This method utilized harakeke (flax) threaded through a western loom, demonstrating her ability to blend tradition with innovation.

Ngarimu-Cameron also played a crucial role in educating others about Māori culture. As a lecturer in traditional arts at the University of Otago’s School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, she shared her extensive knowledge with students. Additionally, she collaborated with organizations like Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and the Southern Institute of Technology, ensuring her expertise reached a wide audience.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ngarimu-Cameron was a devoted mother. Her daughter, Lisa Phillips, shared that she embodied a nurturing spirit, opening her heart to many. “She was not just a mother to me; she was a mother to a whole lot of people,” Phillips said. This generosity extended to her care for foster children and those in her community, teaching them the art of weaving as a means of healing and personal expression.

Her adventurous spirit and sense of humor were evident in family memories, such as a bush excursion where she laughed off the presence of pigs while gathering materials for weaving. Phillips fondly recalled, “She didn’t care. She was just laughing and carrying on.”

Ngarimu-Cameron’s impact on the Māori community and beyond is immeasurable. Her commitment to weaving and her role as a mentor for countless individuals illustrate the depth of her influence. She is survived by her husband and five children: Ricky, Lisa, Francis, Carl, and Keith.

As the community mourns her passing, Ngarimu-Cameron’s legacy as a master weaver, educator, and advocate for Māori culture will continue to inspire future generations.