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The women, from the St John s Uniting Church in Avalon, are learning how to make the traditional cloth - an essential element in all Tongan ceremonies and events. Tapa is used in ceremonies such as weddings and christenings, as well as for wall displays and bedding. For Kiwi Tongans, it comes with a hefty price tag, with a big piece costing as much $5000.
Nicholas Boyack
Kaufo’ou Taulata oversees the preparation of tapa cloth. (File photo) Taulata said there was a risk that New Zealand Tongans could lose the art of making tapa. Akomai Heritage is making sure the grandmothers and older women in their community pass on their tapa-making skills to younger generations.