Raised at the Òparure Marae in Te Kuiti, Rangimàrie Hetet learned the skills of weaving and working kiwi feathers in the traditional way, by watching her kuia and gaining from their experience. She married in 1911 and had five children. Widowed in 1938, Rangimàrie Hetet was fiercely independent and supported her family by housekeeping and farm work, with little time or opportunity to pursue her craft. From the 1950s, however, she had freedom to develop her talents, and taught and demonstrated the art of weaving korowai, piupiu, kete, and whàriki throughout New Zealand. Her exquisite work earned her an international reputation for her design and artistry, with major exhibitions not only within her own country, but in Washington, San Diego, and elsewhere. She was a life member of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Waikato University.

Her achievements bore witness to hands that were never idle: she continued to work and to teach until her death. She was determined, creative, but modest, and set herself impeccable standards. Her authority and significant contribution to the culture and heritage of New Zealanders were respected by all. When Rangimàrie Hetet died at 103 years of age, she was mourned as one of the country’s greatest treasures.