“After blindly choosing my colour Resene Smashed Avocado, I couldn't quite place my feelings towards it. At first glance I thought a brightly coloured green could be easy to relate back to ‘Colours of change’. We see green in trees, the grass, the plants that grow and change every single day. But although these ideas came to me quickly, I couldn't help but feel disconnected to them. For this project I wanted to create something that truly means something to me, and for that I needed to think deeper.

Family. To me there is nothing more important. Throughout my childhood, my mum always wore a deep green pounamu necklace with the Pikorua symbol, around her neck. Pikorua is a Māori symbol known to represent a strong connection between two people, and the continuous cycle of life. Not only does this symbol greatly represent change and growth, but for me it represents a never-ending connection between my mother, my family, and my culture despite the inevitable change to come over the years. With this in mind, Resene Smashed Avocado no longer just conveyed the look of grass and plants, but the feeling of stability knowing I will always be intertwined and connected to my family as the rest of the world continues to change.

The significance of the loosely woven skirt not only connects back to a common practice in my culture, but also signifies the lives and sacrifices those before me have made to get me to where I am now. Weaving a happy and fruitful life, intertwining their life with mine, and creating a foundation for me to excel and create further.

The unfinished weaving connecting back to your own hand, represents growing older and having to take control of your own life. No longer being able to rely on your peers and parents to make the plans for you, but appreciating and acknowledging the work they have put in to get me to where I am today.”