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Kōkōwai Wānanga

 

Facilitated by Tayla Hartemink & Rosalie Koko

Saturday 27 September

1 - 3pm

Toi Pōneke Gallery and the Hub

Free

Photo by James Harcourt from Hui Takatāpui 2024

Join us for a hands-on wānanga where we’ll learn how to process, and create traditional paint using kōkōwai (earth pigment). Rooted in mātauranga Māori, this gathering invites you to connect with whenua through creative practice, explore the stories and significance of kōkōwai, and contribute to a collaborative artwork honouring mana wāhine. This event is designed for Māori and Tāngata Moana — no experience needed, just a willingness to get your hands in the earth and your heart in the kaupapa!

Places are limited, so bookings are essential. Please register through the following link to reserve your place.


Artists Biographies

Rosalie Koko

Rosalie Koko (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Olosega) is a Te Whanganui-ā-Tara based artist. Her practice is guided by the stories of her grandmothers and the deep ties between whenua and whakapapa.

A graduate of Toioho ki Āpiti, she combines and remixes kōwhaiwhai, aute/siapo, and textiles in a multidisciplinary practice. She has recently been involved in teaching, curatorial and animation work at Te Papa, Adam Art Gallery and Maoriland respectively.

Rosie’s work invites us into spaces of intergenerational memory, layered with love, resistance, and sovereignty.

 

Philippa Doyle

Ko Tayla Hartemink (Tūhoe) tōku ingoa. He uri ahau nō Tūhoe. I’m an illustrator, designer and interdisciplinary artist with a background in graphic arts and a practice grounded in whakapapa, mana wahine, and visual storytelling.

I work across digital and physical forms — from illustrated publications and visual design to large-scale prints incorporating kōkōwai, photography, and pattern.

My training in graphic arts has given me a strong foundation in composition and communication, and I use those skills to create work that carries cultural meaning, emotion, and narrative.


He Whare Mahana - A Takatāpui Exhibition

Saturday 20 Sept – 17 Oct

He Whare Mahana - a warm house, a full house, a cosy kainga to nurture your dreams and the infinite queer possibilities. Tātou āhuru mōwai, nau mai, haere mai.

This group exhibition is curated by Utu ā Matimati - takatāpui art collective. The celebration of takatāpui futures, remembers the journey of our tuākana, and reflects on hauora takatāpui. Inspiration is taken from how we, as takatāpui, occupy space. Placing pride in the things we use to adorn our whare because they represent us and the kaupapa we hold in our hearts.

 
 
Earlier Event: 24 September
Pike River: Crafting Authenticity
Later Event: 4 October
Takatāpui Kōrerorero