People from all round the tribal area of Ngati Tuwharetoa and beyond converged on Turangi on the weekend of 15-17 June 2007 for the second Toi Ake Tuwharetoa Maori Art & Design Expo.

"Toi Ake attracted approximately 3,000 people this year, from all walks of life. We attribute that to this year's town centre location and a high number of repeat 2006 visitors. It reflects the higher profile that the event has within the wider New Zealand community," said Event Director, Te Ngaehe Wanikau.People from all round the tribal area of Ngati Tuwharetoa and beyond converged on Turangi on the weekend of 15-17 June 2007 for the second Toi Ake Tuwharetoa Maori Art & Design Expo.

"Toi Ake attracted approximately 3,000 people this year, from all walks of life. We attribute that to this year's town centre location and a high number of repeat 2006 visitors. It reflects the higher profile that the event has within the wider New Zealand community," said Event Director, Te Ngaehe Wanikau.Te Hau Matao Fashion Show a sell-out

As in 2006, the Te Hau Matao Fashion Show was a sell-out, and the designers and their garments exceeded the expectations of the organisers and the crowd.

New for many of the guests were the jazz and soulful sounds of recording songstress Whirimako Black.

"Many of our guests had never exposed to Whirimako Black and were completely in awe
of her by the end of the show," said Te Ngaehe Wanikau.

The garments on display ranged from hand-painted silk through to wearable arts and traditional cloaks. The People's Choice Award was won by a garment made by Bonnie Marshall (pictured), a 100 per cent handmade muka garment.

Three-day exhibition of Maori art

The fashion show was followed by a three-day exhibition of Maori art. More than 30 artists exhibited their arts and enjoyed three days of networking and exposure. The People's Choice Award was won by last year's Silver Award winner, Raewyn Booth. The Gold Award for Effort and Overall Artistic Excellence was taken away by local metalwork artist Mike Holtom. Silver was won by Ta Moko artist Te Kura Wanikau, and Bronze by local weaver Te Rama Tuhakaraina.

"There have been many requests to move the event to other locations, this will never happen, this will always be a Turangi event. Events Turangi is about creating industry here in Turangi, bringing people to Turangi, bringing people home," said Te Ngaehe Wanikau.

Applications are now open for 2008.

Image: Bonnie Marshall's handmade muka won the People's Choice Award in the Te Hau Matao Fashion Show.

25/6/07