Early 2020, pre covid lockdown I was asked if I wanted to be part of the Federation of Maori Authorities (FOMA) Huihuinga Wahine 2020, showing my creations to the attendees of the event along with other NZ based creators. I leapt at the opportunity! Unfortunately covid put a damper on everything and the event was pushed out not once, but twice and became Huihuinga Wahine 2021. I was still all in!
Huihuinga Wahine Maori Women’s Leadership Summit is held per annum, to a capacity crowd. In previous years the event has been held at Novatel at Auckland International Airport, however with that venue being used for MIQ FOMA found a spectacular alternative venue for 2021 – Villa Maria at Mangere, Manukau.
FOMA hosts wāhine from across Aotearoa and internationally in executive leadership roles as well as wāhine who are aspiring leaders in their communities. The one day summit discusses economic and commercial matters of interest and importance to us as Māori women leaders. The speakers are always uplifting, inspiring and challenging. They are wahine committed and driven to their chosen life’s journey, and they share that journey .
The programme included speakers like Karen Rangi, Dr Hinemoa Elder, Dr Emma Espiner, Karleen Everitt, and Les Alder.
Like previous years the event was at capacity and it was fantastic to put myself and my creations on display. I had never done a stall for my ceramics, so it was a little daunting. I did a practice run at home in the lounge just to make sure I had enough stock to cover a table. Turns out I had enough stock to cover two tables.
Sales were good and the connections made were even better. It was a fantastic event and I feel so privileged to have been asked to show and that people loved my pieces. I’m looking forward to going back for 2022.
