Ngāi Tahu is calling on its weavers around the country to help make enough bassinets for its newest arrivals.
Late last year, the runanga announced it would provide each Ngāi Tahu newborn with a pēpi pack, which includes a wahakura (woven bassinet).
Wahakura (woven bassinet) Photo: SUPPLIED
About 100 babies are born to iwi members each year and the tribal body put out the call yesterday to get a production line going for the wahakura, made in the waikawa style.
Tumuwhakahaere (manager) Maatakiwi Wakefield said it had received a number of expressions of interest from experienced weavers, which was very pleasing.
"Kātahi anō kua tukuna atu te kāraka ki te iwi whānui heoi anō tokomaha te iwi whānui kua whakautu i te kāraka tuātahi. Mīharo katoa mātau."
The plan is to work with experienced wahakura weavers before inviting learners to take part in the tribal weaving project.
The iwi hopes to be able to provide babies with a wahakura made from harakeke or wharariki from their rohe.