Malofie Exhibition – Samoan Tattooing event

Malofie Exhibition – Samoan Tattooing event

The public will have a rare chance to see traditional Samoan tattooing in Porirua next week.

He Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens and Whitireia New Zealand in collaboration with community organisations Excel Pacific and Lavalava a Samoa present The Malofie Exhibition at the Whitireia Porirua campus.

The two week long exhibition starts on Monday in the Wikitoria Katene building. There will be day sessions from 10am – 1pm and evening sessions from 5pm – 8pm, a gold coin or donation is required for entry.

People will be able to see the traditional Samoan tattooing by the Sulu‘ape family who are the Tufuga tātatau, masters of tātatau.

The tradition of tātatau and tatau is truly embedded in Samoan custom. One of the most sacred rites of passage for any Samoan is to receive a malofie or pe‘a for men and a malu for women.

The event organiser, Caroline Mareko says this will be a great event show casing our community’s multi-cultural background.

Whitireia is excited to be collaborating with He Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens in bringing this exhibition to the Porirua community said Jean Mitaera Chief Advisor Pacific Strategy. “This is another way in which we can support our Pacific community, which we have done since our founding three decades ago.”

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