MOKORUA: NGĀ KŌRERO MŌ TŌKU MOKO KAUAE – MY STORY OF MOKO KAUAE
Ariana Tikao and Matt Calman
Join singer, taonga pūoro musician and writer Ariana Tikao, photographer Matt Calman and local writer Nuki Takao for a kōrero about the stunning illustrated nonfiction book, Mokorua: Ngā kōrero mō tōku moko kauae – My story of moko kauae, which is a revealing and emotional account of how Ariana received her moko kauae. Held in conjunction with Kanohi Kitea, an exhibition that presents tā moko amongst tangata whenua.
Ariana Tikao grew up in suburban Christchurch in the 1970s and ’80s surrounded by te ao Pākehā. This book tells the story of Ariana exploring her whakapapa, her whānau history and her language. This is one woman’s story, but it is interwoven with the revival of language, tikanga and identity among Kāi Tahu whānau over the past 30 years.
Ariana’s journey culminates in her decision to take on Mokorua – her moko kauae – from tā moko artist Christine Harvey. After an emotionally charged ceremony that brought together whānau, young and old, for songs and tautoko, hugs and tears, Ariana writes: ‘Our whānau had reached another milestone in the decolonisation process – or, rather, in our journey of reindigenising ourselves, becoming who we always were.’
Through Ariana’s words, te reo Māori text by her hoa tāne Ross Calman, and an intimate, moving photo essay by Matt Calman, Mokorua reveals the journey of one woman reclaiming her Māori identity. Ariana will be joined by Matt and local writer Nuki Takao to kōrero about her experiences and the creation of the pukapuka.
Mokorua: Ngā kōrero mō tōku moko kauae – My story of moko kauae is held in conjunction with Kanohi Kitea (The Seen Face), an exhibition (on from 16 Sept to 19 Nov) that presents tā moko amongst tangata whenua, featuring highlights from Matt Calman’s stunning photo essay. Mana whenua would like to ensure writer Ariana Tikao and photographer Matt Calman receive a proper welcome into the space prior to their kōrero for this event, and have also extended this invitation to you.On arrival at the venue, audience members will be invited into The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū foyer for a mihi whakatau. They will then be led through the exhibition space before moving into the Suter Theatre to take their seats. Audience members should allow for 1.5hrs for the full event experience.
All pukapuka will be for sale through our Festival bookstore Paper Plus Nelson, both at their shop and at their stall at Pukapuka Talks sessions – your opportunity to meet authors and get your books signed! You can also purchase books from Paper Plus online.
Ariana Tikao
Ariana Tikao is a singer, taonga pūoro musician and writer of Kāi Tahu descent, and recipient of a 2020 Arts Foundation Laureate award. She writes waiata, poetry and creative non-fiction exploring themes relating to her Kāi Tahu identity and mana wahine, often drawing on historical kōrero from her ancestors. She is among the current generation of artists and leaders rejuvenating taonga pūoro, following in the footsteps of Hirini Melbourne and of her mentors Richard Nunns and Brian Flintoff.
Matt Calman
Matt Calman is of Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Raukawa-ki-te-tonga, and Ngāi Tahu descent. He is a trained artist, with a Diploma of Arts (with Hons) from the Design and Arts College of New Zealand, majoring in photography, and went on to study journalism, graduating with a Diploma in Journalism from Massey University. Matt worked at the Dominion Post from 2007 to 2010 and he is the author of The Longest Day (Allen and Unwin, 2020). Mokorua is his first book of photography. Matt received his own tā moko from Porirua artist Wiremu Barriball in 2016. He lives in Ōtautahi with his wife, Ranui Calman, and their two daughters, and is currently undertaking full-time study in te reo Māori at Ara / Te Pukenga.
Nuki Tākao
Nuki Tākao is a proud descendant of Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Toarangatira, Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tūhoe.
A cultural exponent, teacher, weaver, researcher, editor, translator and writer, Nuki first started writing in 1994, composing the karakia, Ko Te Whiri to honour Hineteiwaiwa and Te Whare Pora, the house of weaving. Beloved of weavers throughout Aotearoa, it has been published many times.
From the early 2000’s until now, Nuki has translated, edited, published, authored and co-authored books primarily in te reo Māori and written mainly for Māori medium education settings.
Most recently, Huriawa, set in Mohua and stunningly illustrated by Robin Slow, is part mōteatea, part karakia and all haiku. Huriawa was written in the traditional style best expressed by the saying, “He iti te kupu, he nui te kōrero”. Although the words are few, they are filled with meaning.
Pukapuka Talks are presented by:
This event is supported by:
SUTER THEATRE
Sat 28 Oct | 2pm | 90 min
Pay What You Can (PWYC)
All Ages