Come and join us for this really special and unique matauranga Māori offering this Matariki.

“Mā te kimi ka kite, mā te kite ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama.”
“Seek and discover, discover, and know, know and become enlightened.”

Create an art piece while learning how to mix and make your own pigments using elements from the taiao such as whenua (earth), dirt, rock, and clay.

This workshop is delivered through a Mãori lense and is open to all.

Learn how to harvest and make your own whenua tae (earth pigments) from scratch. Create multiple artworks while experimenting with your hand made whenua tae (earth pigments).

Guided by artists Rhian Smith and Hayley Smith – in this workshop you will have the opportunity to prepare your own pigments and paint your own masterpiece while discussing how to respectfully harvest whenua without leaving a trace.

From Rhian - 'Ko Mauao te Maunga Ko Tauranga te Moana Ko Taakitimu, ko Mataatua, ko Ngātokimatawhaorua ngā Waka Ko Ngāti Ranginui, ko Ngāi Te Rangi, ko Ngāpuhi ngā Iwi Ko Rhian Smith tōku ingoa.

Growing up I was surrounded by a lot of mainstream standards to which I never really fit in. It wasn’t until I immersed myself into my Māori heritage and culture that I was able to see the potential in my own self and in my art. I enjoy working with various mediums from harakeke and mahi raranga – weaving, to create my own pigments out of koha – gifts from whenua and moana and letting the pigments tell their own story on paper or canvas. A saying that resonates with me is “Mātauranga doesn’t belong to you, you hold it on behalf of those who need it”. Therefore, I like to weave stories into my art as I believe art can create conversation and the opportunity of sharing mātauranga. My mahi toi is inspired by my surroundings, the indigenous ability to tell stories in such visual and creative ways and most importantly my whakapapa.'

Peruse Rhian’s artworks on her Instagram and Facebook. And Hayley's work on her Instagram. Be sure to check out their Māori Resources page, as well.