Uhengaparaoa Maori Art Forms Co-operative Society Ltd.

carving are being produced and selling well. All goods produced by the Co-operative are Uhengaparaoa, a very beautiful, high-ranking Maori maiden of the Whakatohea people, who in her time brought about a resurgence of Maori arts and crafts, was the name chosen for the Maori Art Forms Co-operative—a significant name for a significant development of the Maori people.

In May 1967 Alex Upham, a post primary teacher of Opotiki, heard the following words from a speech given by Dr W. B. Sutch, ‘There is a very definite need for high quality art forms for the souvenir trade, and immediate steps should be taken to ensure that these should be available. Many so-called ‘Maori’ souvenirs sold to the tourist in this country at the present time are of poor quality and certainly they can lay no claim to authenticity.

In June, Alex Upham passed to his wife Betty, and a friend Betty Te Maipi, the aims and objectives for a co-operative to produce authentic Maori art forms, and said, ‘I think you should do this. It will ensure that the Maori people keep their arts and crafts alive, and that they shall reap the benefit.’ This was the beginning.

Government Departments were informed of what was being done and their encouragement and moral support was received. By October the prospectus was ready, and sent out to 1,500 people. Premises in Church Street, Opotiki, were rented, and so on 1 November, 1967, the Uhengaparaoa Maori Art Forms Co-operative Society Limited began operations, Betty Upham being Chairman, and Betty Te Maipi Secretary to the Board of twelve Directors, two thirds of whom are Maori. Three people were working on the premises, others working in their homes, and supplying their products to the Co-operative. Shares were coming in—now shareholders number nearly 80, and there are ten people working on the premises.

Shares are one dollar, the minimum holding being five, the maximum six hundred, but whatever the holding each member has only one vote. This ensures that the Co-operative cannot be taken over by any person or group of people.

The Co-operative approached a New Zealand wine producing company, to see if they would be interested in a flax bottle-holder for their wine, if one could be produced. Their immediate answer was ‘Yes please!’ A holder was produced, the very first in New Zealand, thanks to Mrs Taiaro Emery of Omaramutu. These holders have proved very popular, and are helping the promotion of New Zealand wines. Supplying the demand for these bottle holders keeps four people busy weaving them.

Some very fine ketes, taniko weaving and

distinctive, not only by their quality, but by an attractive card bearing a fernleaf and a ceremonial adze, together with a brief story of Uhengaparaoa, and details of the article.

The Co-operative organised a course in kete weaving at the end of January last. This course was well attended, and certainly stimulated interest in kete making.

The Directors feel that the aims and objectives of the Co-operative which are as follows, are being fulfilled;

?	To provide and make available a ready supply of Maori art forms to satisfy the tourist trade, and to ensure that these shall be of the finest quality and of undoubted authenticity.
?	To ensure that there shall be an avenue of employment open to a number of young Maori people in their usual environment.
?	To provide a tourist attraction by the establishment of a factory or workshop in the town of Opotiki that would be open at all times during the tourist season for inspection.
?	To foster co-operation and goodwill between the Maori and European components of our community.
?	To raise the level of prosperity in our district.

This Co-operative formed in Opotiki but which welcomes members and supporters from

anywhere in New Zealand, will ensure Maori arts and crafts are not only kept alive, but are developed to the full. By doing this the Co-operative helps towards maintaining the unity, pride, success and prosperity of the Maori people.

Betty Upham