Tuatahi Creatives

About

Tuatahi is a creative movement of professional artists and designers

providing expertise in Māori design, art, skin marking and film.

01 Ko wai mātou?

Ko Tuatahi Creatives mātou,

he rōpū auaha Māori.

Tuatahi Creatives is a creative agency formed by Jordan Tuhura and Tamararo Raihania in July 2021 to further pursue a shared passion for Māori art and culture. "Tuatahi", is the Māori word for "first". We named our company this to firstly acknowledge our indignity as Māori, being the first peoples of New Zealand. It was also to acknowledge our whakapapa to Te Tai Rāwhiti, the East Coast of the North Island, a place where the people are the first on earth to welcome the day. Lastly, it is also an acknowledgement to our tipuna Māui, the great polynesian hero and first true navigator of Aotearoa.

02 Vision, Mission & Values

To whakakitenga, to arahina,

ō mātau whakapono"

Vision:

To create a world where Māori art and culture flourishes, connecting people to their roots, identity, and community through the power of culture and creativity.

Mission:

Tuatahi Creatives is dedicated to providing culturally authenticated and verified Māori creative services that inspire and empower Māori communities, while providing positive social impact within te ao Māori. We are committed to creating purposeful projects and fulfilling employment and training opportunities for Māori artists and designers, ensuring the legacy of our tipuna is carried forward.

Values:

Whakawhanaungatanga: Building and nurturing relationships within the Māori community and with our clients, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.

Kairangi: Striving for excellence and upholding high standards in our work, ensuring the highest quality of Māori art and design services.

Tika: Upholding the integrity and authenticity of our work by following tikanga and kawa, ensuring that our creative practices are culturally appropriate and respectful.

Atawhai: Giving back to te ao Māori by supporting Māori organizations, communities, hapu, and iwi through our creative work, focusing on positive social impact over profit.

Kotahitanga: Embracing unity and collective action, working together as a team to achieve our goals and create positive change within the Māori arts and culture community.