Carvers

Tribal Affiliations: Ngati Ira, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngati Porou 

"Whaia Nga Mahi o Rarohenga"
(Na Mataora)

"Knowing the story to this korero tells me that Moko is a way of being. It tells me that I should strive to be a good person. Kind, caring, thoughtful, loving. All those things associated with goodness and like the Moko - they should be etched permanent!!

I have followed my creative passion in Maori Art & Culture for most of my life. In fact like most career artists will say; 'it is my life'."

Although Mark works prodiminantly as a Moko artist he carved for over23 years working on 7 meeting houses. During a 35 year long career in Maori art he has also worked in paint, pen and paper, weaving, and kapahaka.

"I was lucky that I grew up within a Maori art & cultural community, so that by my early teens, I knew exactly that I wanted to do my art as a serious career. In that endeavor I met and learnt off some very giving and inspiring people, and in tribute to them, I now try to give and inspire too."

Mark has travelled extensively as an ambassador of Maori art around the world, educating about Ta Moko. He is respected for his contribution to this artform and has taught many new, emmerging and established Moko artists and carvers. Although born and bred in his beloved Uawa, amongst his people of Te Aitanga a Hauiti, he has recently moved and now lives in Titahi Bay, near Wellington, working from his studio there, at; 11 Jillett Street, Titahi Bay. 

"I love where I am right now. It's a new and challenging direction. I miss home but I carry that in my heart. You can take the man out of Uawa but you can't take Uawa out of the man. This change is exciting for me."

Visit Moko Ake Ta Moko Studio at 11 Jillett St, Titahi Bay, Porirua, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Email mokoake@gmail.com or text/phone +64274083928 to make your booking or enquire. Mauriora!

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