Latest news with #PAPA
NZ Herald
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Runway Show PAPA Returns To Spotlight Weaving & Encourage Preservation
PAPA, a runway display of woven wearable arts, is returning for its sophomore showing in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Co-curator and weaver Beronia Scott tells Madeleine Crutchley about the kaupapa, her learnings through raranga and PAPA's purpose of preservation. Intricate and innovative clothing woven from harakeke, tivaevae and fast fashion waste will take to the runway today in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, as PAPA returns to Kāhui St David's community space. The showcase, a one-day celebration, will feature woven garments by Māori and tauiwi practitioners modelled alongside live performances, DJ sets and servings of kai. Co-curator and artist Beronia Scott (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) explains the show aims to platform the craft, encourage whānau to spotlight their mahi toi and educate audiences unfamiliar with raranga (weaving). The title of the event takes its name from the Earth Mother (Papatūānuku), and draws attention to the connection between weaving and te taiao (the natural world). 'That's quite a big genre to look at,' Beronia tells Viva. Last year, this encouraged artists to examine the origins of their materials and those that might produce harm to the environment where they grow. A memorable garment for Beronia, which won the People's Choice Award, had white plastic replacing the natural fibres traditionally used for raranga – it was called 'Plastic Invasion'. This year, Beronia says materials are even more diverse: recycled bottles, old records and cassette tapes have been utilised for the garments. For Beronia, PAPA also draws attention to the effects of human-caused climate change on crucial materials. 'Our resources as weavers, our natural resources, are disappearing. I mean, harakeke is fine but there are other resources we use. Kuta [a wetland grass], we dive in the lakes for that... it's getting so warm up north, they're losing their kuta.' For this reason, Beronia is passionate about utilising traditional materials. 'Most of the garments are woven with harakeke, but there are other things in there. I've used corn husk in mine, and I've got nīkau, I've got kuta. I've tried to keep mine as natural as possible. It's all about resources for us, highlighting our resources and that we have to look after it.' Beronia has been weaving since 2001, after learning from her aunty Alice Pihema and Kahutoi Te Kanawa during a korowai wānanga at her marae. It was an unusual beginning for her weaving journey. 'I started there and I knew nothing. Weavers will understand, you usually end up doing korowai [later]. You start with making flowers and little baskets. I sort of started the other way.' Alice was a huge influence. 'She taught me how to do tukutuku, which we, as a whānau, we did our tukutuku panels in our marae, our wharenui, which burnt down in the 90s.' Her studies continued with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and tohunga raranga (master weaver) Te Hemo Ata Hēnare. Beronia has also found community in Te Puāwai Raranga. The group of Māori artists and weavers, who practise with traditional and contemporary techniques and materials, are based in Ōrākei. PAPA is a part of a wider art series – the first event was an exhibition at Ōrākei Marae called Tuku. The series began because Beronia and her community of weavers wanted a place to display their works. 'I thought, 'we'll just give our weavers somewhere to be able to show'. Because, you know, we don't really have a lot of spaces.' The first PAPA show was in 2024 and its immediate return this year is spurred by passionate audiences. Paul Baragwanath, the director of the Friends of St David's Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū, told Beronia and her co-curator Te Whaea Witika that the response was overwhelming. 'We're hoping actually we can do it every three years after this because it's a lot of work,' Beronia laughs. 'Weaving is not as fast as a lot of people think. It's a lot slower. If people want to put in a korowai, that can take up to two years to make.' The show will also involve Te Whānau Toi Tupu, a collective of weavers, fundraising for a cultural exchange trip to Thailand. Beronia is among the practitioners making the trip. 'They have set us up to go to a whole lot of other weaving places – galleries, temples – so we're actually going to weave with one of the aunties over there.' Within similar spaces, Beronia has witnessed a shared appreciation for what she calls 'the zone' – where weaving becomes a nourishing and meditative activity. She says these exchanges are also an opportunity for building community and knowledge sharing. In future, she hopes the group will make it to Tahiti too. 'I love to share what I know. I don't own any of my knowledge. I was given that and it's my chance now to give it out, to share it.' For Beronia, PAPA amplifies this treasured knowledge and its origins. 'Our tūpuna were so clever in finding out what you can do with harakeke. 'These days we take it for granted. They did all of the science. We're learning and using the techniques that they did hundreds of years ago.' Madeleine Crutchley is a journalist for Viva and lifestyle and entertainment at The New Zealand Herald. She covers stories relating to fashion, culture and food and drink, from her hometown of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Recently, she's written about dressing during the climate emergency, alternative fashion futures and contemporary sculpture artworks. More local fashion From emerging talents to statements through style. Aotearoa Music Awards 2025: On The Red Carpet Stars Shone A Spotlight On New Zealand Fashion. Local artists showcased their love and appreciation for fashion at the 60th celebration of the Aotearoa Music Awards at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre. Designer Vince Ropitini Reasserts The Art Of Passive Resistance. Vince Ropitini scooped two awards for his collection The Art Of Passive Resistance at iD Dunedin Fashion Week. The designer speaks to Madeleine Crutchley about threading histories of protest together and the influence of contemporary Māori art. From Warkworth To London, Fashion Designer Kat Tua Is Challenging Māori Stereotypes. Menswear designer Kat Tua talks to Dan Ahwa about a deeply personal bespoke creation designed to underpin the values of her brand Manaaki for an international audience. My Style: Aorangi Kora On Fashion, Craft & Creating Crochet Bae. Academic and artist Aorangi Kora's crochet pieces have been winning fans online and off. Emma Gleason caught up with her to discuss her approach to style. . A royal scarf, slogan T-shirts and statements of self-determination play a pivotal role in enhancing the message during Hīkoi mō te Tiriti.
The Journal
02-06-2025
- The Journal
Number of people injured in Liverpool victory parade crash rises to 109
THE NUMBER OF people reported injured after a car drove into crowds at Liverpool's victory parade has risen to more than 100, police have said. Four people remained in hospital on Monday, a week on from the incident which happened on Water Street, in the city centre, just after 6pm. In an update, a Merseyside Police spokesman said: 'The number of people reported to have been injured currently stands at 109.' Last week, police said 79 people had been injured. Paul Doyle, 53, has been charged in connection with the crash and appeared in court last week. Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: 'This is a complex and constantly evolving investigation and we are still working through and assessing those reporting being injured and our inquiries remain ongoing. 'I would like to thank everyone who has been in touch with us so far to give witness accounts or supply information or video footage. The response so far has been of great assistance in progressing the investigation. 'We have had more than 500 submissions to the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) and a team of detectives are currently working through the information provided. Advertisement Police officers at the scene in Water Street near the Liver Building in Liverpool. PA PA 'I would continue to appeal for anyone who has information and is yet to come forward to please get in touch as a matter of urgency.' Those injured and their families are being supported by specialist officers and police are being assisted in the investigation by forces in Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Lancashire, North Wales and Cheshire. Doyle, reported to be a former Royal Marine, from Croxteth, Liverpool, is charged with two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving. The offences relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. He was remanded in custody after appearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday and is due appear for a plea hearing on 14 August. Police and emergency personnel at the scene on Water Street, Liverpool. PA PA Detective Superintendent Wilson said: 'As a person has now been charged in connection with this incident, I would like to remind people not to speculate or share information or footage which could in any way jeopardise the case. 'We understand that emotions are still running high, and people are seeking answers, but it is vital that we allow the matter to go through the judicial process.' Police previously said they believed the car that struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block during Liverpool FC's celebrations was temporarily lifted.
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
PAPA: Woven Wearable Art Returns To Auckland For One Day Only
Press Release – Kahui St David's Free to the public, PAPA Papatnuku | Whakapapa brings the rich traditions of Mori weaving and cultural expression to life through fashion, music, and performance, transforming Khui St Davids into a vibrant runway. Auckland, New Zealand – In celebration of Matariki, PAPA – Papatūānuku | Whakapapa returns next month to Auckland with a one-day-only event that showcases the finest in woven wearable art. What: PAPA – Papatūānuku | Whakapapa – Woven Wearable Arts Showcase When: Saturday 7 June 2025 | 1:00pm–3:00pm Where: Kāhui St David's, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland Tickets: Free entry – registration essential via Eventfinda Website: Free to the public, PAPA – Papatūānuku | Whakapapa brings the rich traditions of Māori weaving and cultural expression to life through fashion, music, and performance, transforming Kāhui St David's into a vibrant runway. Curated by Te Whaea Witika and Beronia Scott, who are part of Te Puāwai Raranga, a collective of contemporary and traditional Māori artists and weavers based in Ōrākei, Auckland, the showcase will feature a collection of pieces from across New Zealand, woven from harakeke, natural fibres, and upcycled materials such as plastic bottle caps, tivaevae, and fast fashion waste. Some pieces take up to a year to complete. These works of wearable art will be modelled by participants of all ages, from rangatahi (youth) to kaumātua (elders). This year's featured artists hail from across Aotearoa and include: Beronia Scott, Te Hemoata Henare, Ann Margaret Strickland, Takutai Watts, Rawinia Weeva, Rosina Chan, Alan Chan, Jennifer Pountney, Tūī Stewart, Waimirirangi Howell, Lisa Pahau, Marama Morehu Batiyaka, Kiri Wikiriwhi and Danny Horsford. Event highlights include: Kiri Wikiriwhi's 2024 People's Choice Award-winning piece, woven from recycled white box strapping using the traditional mautahi weave. Rosina Chan's intricately designed pihepihe, featuring a dragon motif within a tāniko band – celebrating her whakapapa and mastery as a kairaranga. Te Whaea Witika, lead weaver, says: 'Now in its second year, PAPA – Papatūānuku | Whakapapa is more than a fashion event – it's a celebration of community, culture, and creativity. It showcases the artistry of Māori weaving alongside live performance, music, and wearable expression. 'Through the works of wearable art that will be walked down the red carpet at Kāhui St David's, we hope to inspire future generations to weave, to care for the environment, and to continue the practice of using natural materials.' In addition to the stunning woven artworks, attendees can enjoy live performances from Te Whare Karioi, Maraea Mokaraka, music by DJ Jeremy Robb, and delicious kai served by Te Whānau Toi Tupu – a collective of weavers raising funds for a cultural exchange trip to Thailand. 'We're also inviting rangatahi from the local community, with students from nearby high schools gaining hands-on experience in the creative arts and proudly stepping onto the red carpet,' says Te Whaea Witika. 'Audiences will be part of the celebration too, through the People's Choice Award – voting for their favourite piece and helping to recognise the incredible talent of our artists.' Paul Baragwanath, Director of the Friends of St David's Trust, concludes: 'Hosting PAPA is a true privilege. This is a space for everyone – where cultural expression, performance, and beauty meet. 'It's a thrill to see these woven works of art come to life on the red carpet of the Great Hall of Kāhui St David's. We are inviting people of all cultural backgrounds to come and celebrate Matariki, music and wearable art.'
The Journal
16-05-2025
- The Journal
Man who stabbed Salman Rushdie, leaving the author blind in one eye, jailed for 25 years
A MAN CONVICTED of stabbing Sir Salman Rushdie on a New York lecture stage in 2022, leaving the prize-winning author blind in one eye, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. A jury found Hadi Matar, 27, guilty of attempted murder and assault in February. Salman did not return to the western New York courtroom for his attacker's sentencing, but submitted a victim impact statement. During the trial, the 77-year-old author was the key witness, describing how he believed he was dying when a masked attacker plunged a knife into his head and body more than a dozen times as he was being introduced at the Chautauqua Institution to speak about writer safety. Before being sentenced, Matar stood and made a statement about freedom of speech in which he called Salman a hypocrite. Matar received the maximum 25-year sentence for the attempted murder of the author and seven years for wounding a man who was on stage with him. The sentences must run concurrently because both victims were injured in the same event, District Attorney Jason Schmidt said. In requesting the maximum sentence, Schmidt told the judge that Matar ' designed this attack so that he could inflict the most amount of damage, not just upon Mr Rushdie, but upon this community, upon the 1,400 people who were there to watch it'. Advertisement Hadi Matar. PA PA Public defender Nathaniel Barone pointed out that Matar had an otherwise clean criminal record and disputed that the people in the audience should be considered victims, suggesting that a sentence of 12 years would be appropriate. Salman spent 17 days in a Pennsylvania hospital and more than three weeks at a New York City rehabilitation centre. The author of Midnight's Children, The Moor's Last Sigh and Victory City detailed his recovery in his 2024 memoir, Knife. Matar next faces a federal trial on terrorism-related charges. While the first trial focused mostly on the details of the knife attack, the next one is expected to delve into the more complicated issue of motive. Authorities said Matar, a US citizen, was attempting to carry out a decades-old fatwa, or edict, calling for Salman's death when he travelled from his home in Fairview, New Jersey, to target the writer at the summer retreat about 70 miles south west of Buffalo. Matar believed the fatwa, first issued in 1989, was backed by the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah and endorsed in a 2006 speech by the group's secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, according to federal prosecutors. Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued the fatwa after publication of Sir Salmann's novel, The Satanic Verses, which some Muslims consider blasphemous. He spent years in hiding, but after Iran announced it would not enforce the decree he has travelled freely over the past quarter of a century. Matar pleaded not guilty to a three-count indictment charging him with providing material to terrorists, attempting to provide material support to Hezbollah and engaging in terrorism transcending national boundaries. Video of the assault, captured by the venue's cameras and played at trial, show Matar approaching the seated Salman from behind and reaching around him to stab at his torso with a knife. As the audience gasps and screams, the writer is seen raising his arms and rising from his seat, walking and stumbling for a few steps with Matar hanging on, swinging and stabbing until they both fall and are surrounded by onlookers who rush in to separate them. Jurors in Matar's first trial delivered their verdict after less than two hours of deliberation.
The Journal
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Ex-girlfriend of Sean 'Diddy' Combs tells sex-trafficking trial that rapper used to beat her
SEAN 'DIDDY' COMBS' former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, has told his-sex trafficking trial she was abused and sexually exploited by him for years, a day after prosecutors showed jurors video of the music mogul beating her in a hotel in 2016. Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, is the central witness in prosecutors' attempts to show Combs used his status as a powerful executive to orchestrate a deviant empire of exploitation, coercing women into abusive sex parties he called 'freak-offs' and becoming violent if they refused. Lawyers for three-time Grammy winner argue that although he could be violent, Combs never veered into sex trafficking and racketeering, telling jurors the sexual acts were consensual. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty. Cassie sued him in 2023 alleging years of abuse. The suit was settled within hours, but was followed by dozens of similar legal claims and sparked a criminal investigation. Defence lawyer Teny Geragos told the jury during opening statements on Monday that Combs's accusers were after his money, adding that jurors might think he's a 'jerk' and might not condone his 'kinky sex', but that 'he's not charged with being a jerk'. A court sketch of Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Combs has been jailed in Brooklyn since his arrest in September. If convicted, he could receive at least 15 years and up to life in prison. Cassie, 38, told the jury on Tuesday that her relationship with Combs ran the gamut from good times to arguments and physical altercations. They met in 2005 when she was 19 and he was 37. He signed her to his Bad Boy Records label and within a few years they started dating. 'If they were violent arguments, it would usually result in some sort of physical abuse and dragging, just different things,' Cassie said. Asked how frequently Combs became violent with her, Cassie softly responded: 'Too frequently.' She said Combs 'would mash me in the head, knock me over, drag me, kick me. Stomp me in the head if I was down', leaving her with bruises and black eyes. Advertisement Cassie, who is pregnant, was emotional from the start, taking deep breaths and sometimes pausing as she spoke. She said she was barely 22 when Combs first asked her to take part in 'freak-offs'. She said she was 'confused, nervous, but also loved him very much'. Cassie Ventura with Sean Combs in 2015. PA PA Over time, she said she began feeling as if she could not say no to the demands because 'there were blackmail materials to make me feel like if I didn't do it, it would be held over my head in that way or these things would become public'. She said it was always in 'the back of my mind that I'll be hurt by him'. 'Sean is a really polarising person, also really charming,' Cassie said. 'It's hard to really be able to decide in that moment what you need when he's telling you what he wants. I just didn't know. I didn't know what would happen.' A surveillance video made public last year showed Combs beating her at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. CNN aired the video last year, prompting Combs to apologise. The video, which was played for jurors yesterday, shows Combs wearing only a white towel, punching, kicking and dragging Cassie in a hotel hallway. Israel Florez, a former security officer at the hotel, told the court on Monday that he came across Combs while responding to a call about a woman in distress, and found Combs sitting in a chair with 'a devilish stare'. Florez said he refused when Combs offered him a stack of money and said: 'Don't tell nobody.' Earlier today, the trial resumed with Combs's lawyer questioning Daniel Phillip, a male stripper who says he was paid to have sex with Cassie while Combs watched. Phillip said yesterday that he stopped seeing the couple after Combs assaulted Cassie. In opening statementsyesterday, assistant US attorney Emily Johnson said Combs sexually exploited and beat other women, including a woman identified only as Jane, who Combs is accused of attacking after she confronted him about the 'freak-offs'.
