MAORI ART

The Maori art, carving and craft featured on our gallery includes the work of leading Aotearoa New Zealand Maori artists whose work carries the toi iho (Maori made) registered mark and also of non-Maori (tauiwi) artists whose creative preference is to produce Maori inspired designs using materials commonly used by Maori such as greenstone, bone and flax. Their work contributes enormously to our theme of capturing the colour, ambience and character of the cultures, landscapes and people of New Zealand and elsewhere in the South Pacific. The artists we list are:

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Addie Wainohu was taught the art of kete making (whakairo kete) at the age of eleven by her grandfather, the late Laddie Tamati of Wairoa-Ngai Te Apatu. He inspired and encouraged her to continue the art because very few wahine (women) made kete. During the last two to three years she has put more focus on making the small kete we list on our site, adorning them with pieces of paua shell which are symbolic of old and contemporary Maori art.

Hepi Maxwell is a leading Aotearoa New Zealand carver of pounamu (greenstone). His work carries the toi iho (Maori made) registered mark which his status as a member of Ngatirangiwewehi o Rotorua iwi and as a greenstone and bone carver of note entitles him to use. Hepi describes his work as being not of a traditional nature but based on the gentle sweeping curves of ancient Maori art. Hepi's carving career began after an accident cost him his legs and he was forced to look for an alternative means of earning his living. His pieces are now frequently commissioned for overseas dignatories and he is also invited to demonstrate his art at various forums throughout the world.

Joachim Penneckendorf is originally from Germany but settled in New Zealand over fifteen years ago. Jade (nephrite) is his preferred medium. His work is in demand world-wide.

Judy Reinken lives in New Zealand's far north. Her beautifully crafted, high quality kete whakairo (decorated kits or baskets) are available in a range of sizes, patterns and colours such as black, green, blue, red and purple.

Mandy Sunlight and Rouati Waata are mother and daughter flax weavers who have been practicing their craft from their home in New Zealand's far north for many years. The flax Mandy and Rouati weave is either unsoftened or softened. Softening is achieved by boiling. It is also often dyed before being woven into kete that are strong, decorative and very light.

Zizania: The pieces listed are made from or packaged in handmade paper created by Zizania from Manchurian Wild Rice (Zizania latifolia) by craftsmen based in Northland. Where the items are packaged in the handmade paper the paper has been hand-folded into boxes which display the art pieces beautifully. Uniquely boxed and with a matching gift card, each makes a totally New Zealand gift of the highest quality.

Aotearoa Arts Limited is a manufacturer and wholesaler of Maori woodcarvings, Maori Arts & Crafts.They also supply New Zealand designed, wooden sculptural pieces, teko teko, weapons, wakahuia and masks.They have a large number of corporate customers and are happy to work on any specific requirements our customers may have.Aotearoa Arts Limited was established in the late 1960s. Operating from Rotorua premises, Aotearoa Arts has from its inception, specialised in producing top quality New Zealand products. Using New Zealand native timber and greenstone, each piece is individually hand-craftedto a high standard, to satisfy the requirements and expectations of discerning souvenir buyers and collectors.

MATERIALS & FORMS