Tēna tātou e te whānau, ko Hikurangi te Maunga, ko Waiapu te Awa, ko Mangahanea te Marae, ko Te Whānau-a-Hine-Tapora te hapū, ko Ngāti Porou te Iwi. Ko Johnny Hauraki ahau.

 

Born in Wellington 1998, and raised at the base of the Tararua ranges in Ōtaki. That is where I currently reside and continue my career as a traditional Māori carver and tāmoko artist. 

 

I attended Te Kura ā Iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano and TKKM o Te Rito, where I was immersed in kaupapa and te ao Māori. I grew to enjoy mathematics, carving, kapa haka, waka ama and mau rākau.

 

I was lucky enough to study a Bachelor in Māori Design and Art at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, whilst still in high school. By the end of year 13, I would have graduated with a bachelor degree under my belt. I was tutored by master carvers Chris Gerretzen and Hēmi Tahupārae, who taught me what I know in the art of carving.

 

I was inspired by many male role models who assisted me in training mau rākau and māori weaponry. One of whom, was tohunga toi Hēmi Te Peeti. I was fortunate to be mentored by him and Te Kāhui Tōrea, as I started my tāmoko journey. 

 

I am grateful for the many opportunities and experiences this pathway has given me as I continue to learn the art of carving and tāmoko. 

 

E mihi nui ana, nā te ngākau whakaiti 

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