Tairawhiti Arts – Art & Culture from the East Coast of Aotearoa New Zealand

Mark Kopua : Tohunga Taa Moko

“As a carver if I wanted to market myself I had to send them to that paddock where the house is standing, or send them here and there.  But with moko you get the whole package deal in terms of marketing, your work is living and breathing, going on trips, being seen around where ever they go.” (used)

 

“You’ve fulfilled the kaupapa for that particular client and that is just satisfaction itself.”

 

Ko Mark Kopua toku ingoa

Ko Te Aitanga a Hauiti te iwi

Ko Ngati Kahukuranui te hapu

Ko Ngati Ira te iwi

Ko Ngati Awhia te hapu

Ko Ngati Porou te iwi

Ko Te Whanau a Ruataupare te hapu

 

Mark Kopua had worked in the field of carving for over 23 years before he picked up his first needle and began his career in moko.  And it is his understanding of te ao Maori that he brings, as well as his skill with design that has Mark so busy that he needs to schedule in holidays in order to take a break.  Based just outside of Tologa Bay, Mark has the enviable distinction of planning ways to stay working domestically when many others are trying to go international.  Mark also works as a consultant for carving and arts projects and presents seminars on Moko throughout the country.  

 

http://www.tamoko.org.nz/artists/uruora/intro.html

The following is a digital story created by local video artist Joanne Tito.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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