Toi Iho Sets Sail in Waka Maori

26 September 2011

Toi Iho Sets Sail in Waka Maori

An elite line up of Maori artists aligned to toi iho: the Maori trademark of quality and authenticity, will be showing their work with Kura Gallery from October 13 - 23, in the much publicized Waka Maori on Auckland’s waterfront and Rugby World Cup’s Fanzone.

Sandy Adsett, Clive Fugill, Steve Gibbs, Gordon Hatfield, Ross Hemera, Moana Maniapoto, Hepi Maxwell, Baye Riddell, Paerau Corneal, Sonia Snowden, Colleen Waata-Urlich, Cliff Whiting, and Robyn Kahukiwa will no doubt impress both local and international viewers. Long established, and located in both Auckland and Wellington, Kura Gallery owner Jude Dods and Vicky Thomas manager of the Auckland gallery say they have always valued the authenticity of works from Maori artists as identified with their link to the toi iho trademark, hence their excitement to see it up and running again.

Since October last year, the toi iho trademark of quality and authenticity has been managed under a new entity, Toi Iho Kaitiaki Incorporated (TIKI). The trademark was initially launched under Creative NZ in 2002 but was transferred to TIKI after Creative NZ made a decision to disinvest in it in 2009.

As well as the line up of Maori artists showing in Waka Maori, others including Chris Bailey, Te Rongo Kirkwood and Carla Ruka, are showing artworks in the Eden Park Rugby World Cup VIP lounges as part of a TIKI and Rugby New Zealand 2011 coordinated project. Professor Bob Jahnke at Massey University, Sandy Adsett and TIKI trustees: Ata Te Kanawa, Editor of TU MAI magazine and Elizabeth Ellis secured the opportunity to work with Rugby New Zealand 2011 VIP coordinator, Jane Mather in early June.

Using TIKI’s network, the project enlisted regional coordinators and curators to find artists with high quality artworks for display in VIP lounges across the country. And at the newly opened Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, the work of toi iho supported artists, Ralph Hotere, Fred Graham, Arnold Wilson, Shane Cotton, Para Matchitt, Michael Parekowhai are being exhibited.

Even the new Te Wao Nui at Auckland’s Zoo shows the works of Lyonel Grant, Manos Nathan and Bernard Makoare including the 7m tall sculpture at the entranceway. In his exhibition entitled ‘Re-patterning at Parnell Road’s artisgallery, toi iho advocate, furniture and interior artist, Carin Wilson presents his new work until Oct 13.

“Toi iho is all about a trademark of Maori authenticity and high quality and Auckland is a wonderful city that is especially enjoying the fruits of these talented artists. TIKI is taking a new direction with new perspectives to highlight and promote the quality factor of authentic Maori art,” says TIKI’s Chair, Elizabeth Ellis.

ENDS

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