He uri nō Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Maniapoto me Raukawa ki Wharepuhunga

Te Kiri Kowhai is a graduate of the NZ Māori Arts & Crafts Institute (NZMACI), Te Rito o Rotowhio but weaving has always been part of her life. Whether it was tagging along with her Nan & Aunty as they performed concerts up at Whakarewarewa Village or watching aunties weave during kapa haka, seeing ngā mahi piu hanging & drying, the smell, the intricacy and the final outcome has always grabbed her attention. 

As a life-long student of te whare pora, Tianne continues to refine her skills and techniques, one of her latest projects; creating the traditional poi that were used by Mōtai Tangata Rau during their regionals performance in 2024.