Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Rārua

Intern at:

“I grew up in the world of Art. My father studied at Massey University on the Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts, and I followed in his footsteps. Creativity for me started as an outlet, a safe space as a rangatahi to express myself where I otherwise couldn’t. Growing up with an artist for a father, and around his fellow creatives, my passion for the arts evolved through the conversations that I became a part of.

I completed my Honours at Elam School of Fine Arts, returning to Massey in 2016 for my postgraduate studies. I was lucky enough to become the youngest Lecturer at NZTC and I have worked for Wakatu Incorporation as a Creative Director for four years now. I have curated at Tauranga Art Gallery, and Art + Body Creative Studio in Mt Maunganui. I have also been involved in Exhibitions as a practicing artist around the nation.

I think for me, the appeal to the MAI internship was having the support of a Māori organisation to further my engagement in the professional world. In particular, working on this internship for a Māori Trust that aligns with everything I am passionate about for Māori creatives, and collaborating with the Creative voice here in the Bay of Plenty – it just made sense to me. There is a real opportunity here to bring different entities here in Tauranga Moana together, to really support youth in the creative space, and Māori creatives local to the Bay. I am honoured to be able to be a part of that.”

In partnership with Creative New Zealand, Toi Māori Aotearoa has delivered the Māori Art Internship Programme (MAI) since 2014.