There has been a buzz of a different kind going on at Toihoukura School of Maori Visual Art last week with the annual Wananga Tā Moko.

Nine artists from all over New Zealand have been well booked to ta moko people of all ages.

An important part of the wānanga is the Toi Maori Aotearoa national collective of tā moko artists, Te Uhi a Mataora. Annually, the collective annual general meeting is scheduled to coincide with the wānanga.

Taking part in the wānanga tā moko this year are Toihoukura graduate Makarini Solomon, current Toihoukura tutor and workshop technician; Anthony (Fatty) Karauria, current Certificate in Studio Workshop student; Steve (Punga) Smith, current Certificate in Studio Workshop student and past recipient of Jack Richards scholarships; Kingi Pitiroi, former student, current teacher and practising tā moko artist; Dan (Raniera) McGrath, current Toihoukura tutor, practising tā moko artist, and Toihoukura graduate; Ayson Lewis, Toihoukura Graduate, practicing tā moko artist; Thomas Clark, current owner-operator and practising tā moko/tattoo artist; Maia Gibbs, graphic designer, practising tā moko artist, and son of Associate Professor Steve Gibbs; Mark Kopua, stalwart of the revitalisation of the tā moko art form for more than 20 years and close associate of Toihoukura; and recently appointed Professor, Derek Lardelli, who is internationally heralded for his local, national and international contribution to Māori visual arts, in particular tā moko, and his cultural expertise.

As always, the wānanga has been open to the public in Maia Gallery, Toihoukura School of Māori Visual Arts, and many have made the most of the week. The Wananga Tā Moko ended last Friday (November 1).