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Toihoukura
The focus of Toihoukura is to ensure the continuing development of art forms that are specifically Māori. This is promoted through the development of, and participation in an arts ‘wānanga’ learning environment that encourages the personal and professional development of every student.
Whakatorua, Whakatorua Te Aho Tapu Kia Kawa Mai, Te Kawa Maiora!
Inaugural Te Kupenga Exhibition at Toihoukura
Work by young artists from Hawke’s Bay to Northland made a diverse showcase for the inaugural Te Kupenga Scholarship exhibition opening at the Maia Gallery last week.
EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti campus’ school of Māori Visual Arts, Toihoukura senior lecturer Erena Koopu said this scholarship allowed the opportunity to showcase the work of rangatahi and give them the opportunity to be in an exhibition.
History
Toihoukura (Toi – Arts, Hou – New, Kura – Place of Learning)
Toihoukura, the school of Māori Visual Arts, was established in 1990 by Ivan Ehau under Tairāwhiti Polytechnic.
Derek Lardelli, a noted Tā Moko artist, printmaker and sculptor, joined the programme as a senior tutor in 1992. Sadly, Ivan died that same year, and his position was filled by renowned kowhaiwhai artist, Sandy Adsett. Painter, Steve Gibbs, was appointed in 1994. Together this teaching team developed a dynamic foundation programme, followed by an Advanced Diploma and, in January 2007, a Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts was accredited and implemented.
“Toihoukura isn’t just a great place to study it will become your whare and the people, your whanau. My studies at Toihoukura were about connecting and growing as a young Maori artist.
Exploring my culture and developing my own artistic ideas and style at Toihoukura was challenging but rewarding. The tautoko from lecturers is outstanding and together we grow as artists and as people. Toihoukura is a place to learn, a place to grow and a place to belong. Tēnei mea te ako kāore he mutunga.”
Makuini Nyman
Māori Visual Arts (Foundation) (Level 4), NZ Diploma in Te Reo Māori (Immersion) (Level 5), Bachelor of Maori Visual Arts, Bachelor of Professional Creative Practice (Hons) Graduate
“Attending Toihoukura | EIT has taken me beyond what I thought possible. I have always focused on the revival, reclamation, and rebuilding of traditional and contemporary art forms.
As a result, I have moved on to postgraduate studies, as well as into teaching as a way to give back and share my skills and knowledge.”
Bridy Lundon
NZ Diploma Te Pitau a Manaia, Bachelor of Maori Visual Arts, Bachelor of Professional Creative Practice (Hons), Masters of Professional Creative Practice, Masters of Professional Practice Graduate
Gallery
Anthony Karauria
Te Toi o Ngā Rangi | Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts Graduate, Ta Moko Artist
Kalani Tikitiki-Houkamau
Te Toi o Ngā Rangi | Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts Graduate