Loop by hand-crafted loop, artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole are crocheting Wharenui Harikoa (House of Joy), a full-size meeting house.

To celebrate Matariki, Britomart is featuring a large-scale outdoor exhibition of photographs by Russ Flatt of this work in progress, including some of the wharenui’s foundational pou, which represent the stars of the Matariki constellation.

Matariki is also a time of contemplation; when Wharenui Harikoa is complete, Lissy and Rudi see its vivid colours and powerful characters can provide, as Rudi says, “a place of healing”, somewhere that, Lissy says, will “ignite joy” for Māori, Pākehā and Tauiwi alike.

Lissy and Rudi will also be taking over a store on Te Ara Tahuhu to offer free crochet workshops and a selection of their Wharenui Harikoa merch.

Proudly presented by Britomart as part of Matariki ki te Manawa.

Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole

Image credit Russ Flatt 

Park for $2 per hour at the Downtown car park to a maximum of $15 on evenings and weekends. Find out more

Last updated: 27 May 2022