Falepipi he Mafola

Falepipi he Mafola ("House of Peace") is a Niuean handicrafts group based in New Zealand.

The organisation's members first came together on 1 April 1993, and Falepipi he Mafola was formally incorporated on 19 August 1994.[1][2][3] It was founded with the aim of empowering older Niueans and bringing them together as a community, as well as sustaining their connection to their home island.[1] Its members meet weekly in the Auckland suburb of Ōtāhuhu.[1][2][3]

Its founding members included Molima Molly Pihigia, who migrated from Niue to New Zealand in 1970, and her husband Fataiki Pihigia.[1] Other notable members have included Tiresa Fasi, Foufili Halagigie, and Mokahele Halagigie.[1] Although its mission centres older craftspeople, members range in age from their 30s to their 90s;[1][2] they are primarily women.[4]

Falepipi he Mafola primarily produces Niuean woven handicrafts such as lili (wall hangings), iliili (hand fans), trays, and baskets.[1][5] Other handicrafts produced include carvings and netting.[2] Its members generally use materials that are easier to source in Auckland, such as raffia, kaniu (coconut leaf ribs), and recycled plastic, rather than the traditional laufa (pandanus leaves).[1][6] The group has also released recordings of Niuean songs and hymns, including 2005's Niue Haku Motu Volume 1 and 2010's Fanogonogo Ke He Leo Volume 2,[1][2] and worked to promote the Niuean language.[5]

In 2009, the organisation was awarded the Pacific Heritage Art Award as part of the Arts Pasifika Awards for its "active community engagement with promotion of Niuean heritage arts."[1][2] Pieces produced by the group are included in the collection of Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum.[3]