1st June 2005
toi ihoTM Matariki celebration
toi ihoTM , the trademark denoting authentic and quality Màori arts, will be part of Te Papa Tongarewa's Matariki
celebration.
This weekend nearly 40 outstanding Màori artists who are licensed users of toi ihoTM will gather at Te Papa for an expo.
The expo will include an exhibition of approximately 80 works that will be open to the public for one day only on
Sunday.
The expo follows one held in Auckland last year and includes workshops for artists in areas like small business, tax and
marketing.
toi ihoTM was launched in 2003 and there are now more than 150 artists who hold a license to use the toi ihoTM brand
with their work. They come from a wide range of artforms including traditional arts like carving and weaving as well as
contemporary visual and performing arts and includes many of New Zealand's most senior and respected Màori artists.
There are also more than 25 licensed retailers - who stock work by at least six of the artists. toi ihoTM is
administered by Creative New Zealand.
Elizabeth Ellis, chair of Te Waka Toi, the Màori arts board of Creative New Zealand said she was delighted that toi
ihoTM would be part of Te Papa's Matariki celebration.
"More and more New Zealanders are recognising Matariki and the significance it has for Màori. With the involvement of
toi ihoTM in Matariki celebrations the public will have the chance to experience authentic and quality arts during this
period," she said.
Later on in the month, there will be three concerts featuring musicians who are licensed users of toi ihoTM. They are:
* Moana and the Tribe on Thursday 9 June from 7.00-9.00pm * Whirimako Black on Thursday 16 June from
7.00-9.00pm * Ruia Abraham with his brothers Ranea and Manny on Sunday 19 June from 1.00-2.00pm as part of the
Whanganui Showcase.
All concerts are on Te Papa's marae and are free entry.
The toi ihoTM exhibition will be held from 10.00am-5.00pm this Sunday 5 June, Air New Zealand Concourse, Level 3.
ENDS