| Perth 2024 ISPA Congress– Tawera Tahuri |
 Tawera TahuriLead Adviser, International Indigenous Exchange Tāwera Tahuri is a practising artist covering a wide range of mediums and techniques. Influenced by the work of artists such as Basquiat, Klee, Picasso, Kura Te Waru Rewiri and Emere Karaka, she has produced a prolific amount of work throughout her artistic career. A mother of six children and grandmother of six, she is actively involved in her community as an artist, activist, teacher, and performer. Tāwera is the Lead Advisor for Indigenous Exchange International with Creative New Zealand and is passionate about bringing indigenous artists together whether by exchange, gatherings, residencies or by supporting Māori artists to attend the many Arts Markets across the world. Currently she is also working with Māori Strategies & Partnerships CNZ as the Artistic Director for FESTPAC the Festival for pacific Arts and Culture which will be hosted by Hawaii in 2024. Her seven-piece mixed media sculptural installation, exhibited in Florence, Italy, entitled “Tamanui. Seven Generations" is inspired by her iwi (Tribe) and the recent revival her people have experienced. Their Treaty of Waitangi land Claim WAI 507 has been an integral part of this revitalisation, and this has been the basis of her recent bodies of work. Her abstracted pou representation of Tamanui is a regular feature in her work. The Seventh-Generation principle is an important component of the people of Tamanui (the eponymous ancestor of Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi) as it serves not only as a reminder of the wrongs of the past but also the hopes and aspirations of the future seven generations. Whānau (family) is everything to Tāwera and she strives to consistently uphold the mana of each of her tūpuna. Through her artistry, and creative endeavours she seeks to share indigenous knowledges and connect with other indigenous peoples in a range of exhibition contexts. In 2010 and 2012 Tāwera, with her husband Henare also a visual and performing artist completed x26-week residencies at Evergreen State University in Olympia Washington State USA. Her artistry has enabled extensive travel across the world. Tāwera is passionate about freshwater ways and is actively involved in the care and maintenance of sacred waterways and takes her role as a 'kaitiaki' or guardian seriously. Ko au te wai, ko te wai koau. I am the water, and the water is me. Tāwera stood proudly in solidarity at Standing Rock North Dakota and continues to stand today and has participated in numerous actions as an activist across the motu and indigenous world. Mniwiconi! Water is life! As a board member for The Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Tāwera is committed to indigenous issues across the world and proudly represents her peoples alongside her wider indigenous family. She is actively involved alongside the board in the indigenous rights space at the UNPFII, assisting Indigenous peoples where and when possible, in their endeavour to travel and present respective statements in the Forum context. The UNDRIP United nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples is at the forefront of her life and is applied consistently in her daily activities. Tāwera is currently studying for a PhD in Indigenous Studies with Te Whare Wānanga O Awanuiarangi. She also holds a BA from Toihoukura and MMVA from Massey University, NZ.
Co-Facilitator |
