Tawera Tahuri
Whatatutu

Wife, mother of 6, teacher, visual and performing artist, and currently completing a Masters of Maori Visual Arts with Massey University, Tawera, is also the organiser for 'Kakahu' Turanganui-a-Kiwa Matariki Maori Fashion Show now in it's second year.
From their home and studio/gallery in Whatatutu, Henare and Tawera live the artists lifestyle totally dedicated and inspired to doing their work with and for the rangatahi (youth) as well as their own children. Tawera has a strong sense of wanting to give to others. It is clear that she loves the life she has carved out and she wants very much to share that experience with others.
"We want (our people) to celebrate their talents...This is not just about making money, I became a teacher in order to share with the rangatahi positive experiences and to motivate them. If in my teaching I can affect even just one person, then it has all been worth it."
The building of their whanau property in Whatatutu is an artistic achievement in its own right. It boasts a purpose built amphitheatre for theatre and kapa haka performances, a working studio, a wharenui which is to be decorated by the huge network of people they call friends, whanau, peers and mentors. The setting has stunning views of the Mangatu river where it converges with the Waipaoa River in the deep gorge below.
Tawera and husband Henare are a dynamic multi talented duo who, following in their mentor Derek Lardelli's footsteps, offer an ever-expanding artistic skill base. Speaking of Tawera, it is almost impossible to separate her artistic achievements from that of her husband Henare; so much of their work is shared.
"Hinu", Tawera's clothing label, references the 'preservation' of Maori culture. As the kai or food, was once preserved using hinu (animal fats) in earlier times, Tawera uses Maori fashion and design as her vehicle to preserve the culture.
2007 is Tawera's second year as a fashion designer. In this new work, she aims to encapsulate in her garments the hopes and dreams of Nga Ariki Kaiputahi and the ongoing journey with the Turanga claims kaupapa. 'Waitohu' references the recent signing of the deed of negotiation by Nga Ariki Kaiputahi with the Crown. The work also refers to the signatories to the Treaty of Waitangi who used the symbol 'x' to sign their names.
As if this weren't enough, Tawera loves to sing. Both she and Henare composed waiata for Te Aute, during their time at the school where Henare was the head of Visual Arts and Tawera was in charge of performing arts and music. Opening for Ardijah has been the highlight of Tawera's musical career so far and she cites Whirimako Black as an inspiration.
Later this year, we will see a Masters graduation exhibition of Tawera's work at the Tairawhiti Museum. And we can be sure there will be more to come...

You can contact Tawera on: taweratahuri@yahoo.co.nz