A special National Geographic Indigenous Futures Issue came out in the USA July 2024. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/maori-language-nest-model-new-zealand
The story I was engaged to capture imagery for was written by accomplished Māori writer and Ngāruahine whanaunga Aroha Awarau. Aroha delved into how our Māori people of Aotearoa have revitalised our Māori Language and how the success of this movement has positively influenced other indigenous nations in Hawaii and America.
To support the story I was engaged to capture a series of portraits of signficant influencers in the revitalisation of our native language. The first shoot was to be of esteemed Dr Tā (Sir) Tīmoti Karetu. Tā Timoti was at his kōpuha (bach) in Waimārama on the East Coast of the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand.
After a grand tour of Waimārama where my assistant Dominika got to drive the three of us around in Tā Timoti’s flash vehicle, I was able to see the famous Island off the shore, being Te-Motu-o-Kura also known as Bare Island. In complete darkness Dominika and I set up our outdoor studio lighting in amongst the sand dunes, to illuminate Tā Tīmoti in pre-dawn light. The bright orange glow before sunrise was absolutely magnficent.
Our next adventure was to Tamaki Makaurau to capture Oriini Kaipara and tamariki of Hoani Waititi Marae, West Auckland.
We then went back to the East, this time to Whakatāne to meet with Artivist Tame Iti at his workshop studio. It was a magical experience to be in the presence of Tame, his mokopuna Terangiomoaho Iti who is also their chief creative. Terangimoaho was raised with Te Reo Māori as his first language and an example of the revitalisation of the Māori Language which was a taonga Tame’s son Toi missed out on.
Our last shoot was of my dear Whaene (Aunty) Ngaranga Kura Ranginiwa and granddaughter Stevie-Rei Pokaia who along with her siblings were raised with Te Reo Māori as their first languauge.
Te Hau Whakatono Exhibition featuring the exquisite creation of Ngahina Hohaia titled He Ara Uru Ora. This exhibition was created by Māori Curator Taarati Taiaroa.
The Puke Ariki Museum Cinema has been re-opened and is showcasing this new short film to honour and showcase mana whenua, our local hapū
Whakakaitiakitanga – PRESERVING OUR PŪRAKAU THROUGH TOI Exhibition starting on Tuesday 8th February 2022 at Lysaght Watt Gallery, 4- 6 Union St Hawera. “Rāranga brings
