Celebrating Roka Hurihia Ngarimu-Cameron: A Legacy of Weaving and Care

The arts community mourns the loss of Roka Hurihia Ngarimu-Cameron, a distinguished master weaver and advocate for Māori culture, who passed away on June 10, 2024, at the age of 76. Ngarimu-Cameron dedicated her life to preserving traditional Māori weaving and caring for children in need, leaving behind a rich legacy that spans generations.

A Life Dedicated to Weaving and Community

Ngarimu-Cameron was born in Ōpōtiki on July 27, 1948, and raised in Hāwai. She belonged to a diverse cultural heritage, being affiliated with several iwi including Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Te Arawa, Whakatohea, Ngāti Awa, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Her commitment to the arts was evident early on, culminating in a master’s degree in fine arts from Otago Polytechnic School of Art in 2008. Her dissertation focused on integrating traditional Māori weaving techniques with loom weaving, leading to a celebrated exhibition at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

In recognition of her contributions to Māori art, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2011. Her husband of 50 years, Kerry Cameron, described her as a “legend,” noting her tireless efforts to showcase indigenous artwork both locally and internationally. “Keeping up with her was quite a task,” he recalled, highlighting her relentless drive to engage with community groups across the nation.

A Charitable Legacy and Educational Impact

Together with her husband, Ngarimu-Cameron co-founded the Te Whānau Arohanui charitable trust in 1986, which aimed to provide shelter and nurturing for young people in need. The trust included a whare wānanga (learning centre) and a foster care facility in Waitati, as well as a whare at St Clair. Her first acknowledgment was always to the mana whenua, who offered cultural mentorship and support throughout her career.

Ngarimu-Cameron played a crucial role in the lives of hundreds of tamariki (children) and children with special needs, using weaving as a form of therapeutic support. She believed that engaging in creative activities could significantly aid in personal healing. Her outreach efforts extended beyond the Māori community, as she worked with various school and church groups to promote understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and educate others about New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage.

Her influence reached far and wide as she travelled nationally and internationally, conducting workshops that emphasized indigenous practices. Ngarimu-Cameron created korowai (ceremonial Māori cloaks) for dignitaries in the United States on behalf of Creative New Zealand, and participated in national weaving committees, where she was known for her innovative techniques.

One such innovation included a method that drastically reduced the time required to weave korowai by utilizing a western loom to thread harakeke (flax). Traditionally, this process could take years, but her approach potentially cut it down to mere months, marking a significant advancement in the art form.

As a lecturer in traditional arts at the University of Otago School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, she shared her extensive knowledge with students. Ngarimu-Cameron also taught at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and the Southern Institute of Technology in Queenstown. Her commitment to education included collaborations with marine scientist Prof Kura Paul-Burke to design mussel spat lines as part of a Māori-led restoration project for the mussel population at Ōhiwa Harbour.

Ngarimu-Cameron’s daughter, Lisa Phillips, reflected on her mother’s profound influence, stating that she was not just a mother to her, but a mother figure to many. “She opened her heart to others,” Phillips said. She fondly recalled adventures spent with her mother, including a memorable excursion to gather tikumu (mountain daisies) for weaving, which showcased Ngarimu-Cameron’s lively spirit and dedication to family and craft.

Roka Hurihia Ngarimu-Cameron’s legacy endures through her significant contributions to Māori culture and her compassionate care for tamariki. She is survived by her husband Kerry and children Ricky, Lisa, Francis, Carl, and Keith. Her life story serves as an inspiring example of dedication to both art and community, illustrating the powerful intersection of creativity and care.