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The morning after an unforgettable night at the World of WearableArt Awards Show, Anna Hayes-Moeau (Ngati Kahungunu ki te Wairoa) sat down with us to reflect on the experience of winning Te Tohu Toi Rākei with Ko Au Ko Harakeke, Ko Harakeke Ko Au.

“Overwhelming… in every single way”

When asked how the awards night felt, Anna struggled to put the feeling into words. “It was overwhelming, humbling, honouring… filled with gratitude and emotions,” she said. “I was in awe of all the creative genius, both on stage and in your team. Everyone came together to bring so much joy to the world.”

Among the evening’s highlights was Anna being named the very first recipient of Te Tohu Toi Rākei, a recognition that left her deeply moved.

Anna Hayes-Moeau receiving Te Tohu Toi Rākei from judges Isaac Te Awa and Karl Chitham

An Honour Held on Behalf of Others

Anna doesn’t feel the award is hers alone. “The award’s not mine,” she explained. “It belongs to all the wonderful women and men who taught me this ancient art form, to our tūpuna, and to my whānau. It’s a privilege to look after that space for the next year until someone else, someone more creative, talented and genius, steps forward.”

This ethos echoes the philosophy behind her garment: Ko Au Ko Harakeke, Ko Harakeke Ko Au - I am the harakeke, and the harakeke is me. Anna explains ,“There is one planet and we are all connected.”

Seeing her Garment Come to Life on Stage

Seeing her garment come alive on stage was everything Anna imagined. Mollie, the performer who wore her piece, was central to that. “She brought the vision I had many months ago to life,” Anna said. “Huge mihi to Molly for her professionalism, she embodied the kaupapa so beautifully. I felt a bit stunned, my whānau were in tears. It was very special.”

Ko Au Ko Harakeke, Ko Harakeke Ko Au on the WOW stage

A Creation Guided by Vision and Process

When asked what inspired the garment, Anna shared that her creative process isn’t one of sketching or planning - it’s intuitive and spiritual. “Things just come to me,” she said. “I never sketch. I never count my whenu. I karakia and follow my processes, and before I know it, it’s there. Even the circular woven pieces for the umbrella - they came together perfectly. I’m very grateful for that.”

The making of Ko Au Ko Harakeke, Ko Harakeke Ko Au

Why WOW, and Why Now?

The decision to enter WOW came after a successful solo exhibition at the Wairoa Museum.

“Exhibiting at home was nerve-wracking, but it was well-received. It gave me the courage to say, ‘OK, I’ll enter WOW.”

This year also carried personal significance. “It’s been 40 years since my mum passed from the physical realm. She was an amazing creative person. I thought - this is the year to do it.”

Anna began creating long before WOW announced Te Tohu Toi Rākei. She hopes its introduction will inspire others to come forward.

Her Advice for First-time WOW Entrants

“Don’t overthink it. Just do it. You’ve got nothing to lose.” She speaks passionately about the support of the WOW team. “The awhi and tautoko you receive is like nothing you’ve experienced. Every stage of the process is professional but filled with absolute love. It just gets more intriguing, amazing, and exciting. Just go for it!”

Te Tohu Toi Rākei

Entries are now open for the 2026 WOW Competition, where Te Tohu Toi Rākei will be awarded to another whakapapa Māori designer.

Judged by Isaac Te Awa (Ngāpuhi, Kāti Māmoe, Kai Tahu, Waitaha) and Karl Chitham (Te Uriroroi and Ngā Puhi), this award was created to celebrate excellence in Māori art, craft and design, when translated into an outstanding work of wearable art. While Anna’s entry showcased the traditional art form of weaving, Māori art can take many forms, from traditional to contemporary, and they are all welcome.

Find out more about Te Tohu Toi Rākei here.