Amami Oshima dye and resist method techniques were introduced to textile groups at Nga Manu nature reserve Waikanae February 2025. For more information find us on Instagram! http://toimaharanz

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Fantastic summer weather and people, from many walks of life and cultures came together in Kapiti, to experience the natural dyeing techniques facilitated by Yukihito Kanai artist and dyer from Kanaikogei in Japan invited by me as co curator and sponsors NZJEP and KCDC creative communities, generously supported by director Janet Bayly and staff of Toi Mahara gallery Mahara place, Waikanae.

Yukihito with Janet Bayly director of Toi Mahara gallery Waikanae.
Yuki and Ellie Donnelly in front of dorozome mud dyed kimono 120 years old.
Prepping for community artists workshop.
The opening of Nature Amami Oshima featured all the natural elements and practices that make up sustainable textiles in this UNESCO world heritage site.
Shibori resist dyeing using kōwhai, indigo and madder dyes.
Yuki and I organised community natural dye workshops over several days.
Aki Baggott our wonderful translator on left.
Every chance to bring the local environment into the design process makes a collaborative project rewarding.
Toi Mahara staff welcoming us with Yukihito and dyers.
A great meeting of Yukihito enjoyed with Maori weavers at Maoriland gallery in Ōtaki Feb 2025.