Heru Māori

Iwi: Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu Aronga Toi: Whakairo, Tāmoko Matū: Native rākau, pounamu, stone, whalebone Akonga: Johnny Hauraki hails from Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, and is a Kaiwhakairo and Tāmoko artist based in Ōtaki. Johnny attended Te Kura-a-Iwi O Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, and is a raukura of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito in Ōtaki, where his journey in Tāmoko and Whakairo had begun. Johnny completed a degree in Toi Whakarākai at Te Wānanga o Raukawa under the tutorship of Chris Gerretzen and Hemi Tahuparae in 2017. Shifting from one strength to the next, Johnny pursued training in Te Whare Tū Tauā within Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and further pursued Tāmoko under the watch of a Tohunga named Hēmi Te Peeti. Kaupapa: Johnny’s broad skill set in Whakairo and Tāmoko is evident from the years of study he has committed to refining his craft across different areas under the guidance of experts. Johnny now takes on commissioned works as his vast skillset allows him to tailor his works uniquely to each kaupapa that comes forth. Alongside carving adornment pieces, designing Tāmoko, specializing in Taonga Pūoro, and traditional Māori weaponry of Te Whare Tū Tauā, Johnny is also a humble father and has collaborated in paintings with his partner Te Rahera Hibbs.