On The Up: Former Ōtāne petrol station transforming into Māori art gallery and workshop

Netana Te Pou, left, with wife Cindy Te Pou are turning the old petrol station in Ōtāne into an art gallery and workshop.

When Hawke’s Bay man Netana Te Pou took a leap of faith into a new career, he put the tools down and instead picked up a paintbrush.

Now he gets to pick up the tools again, this time to create a gallery for himself.

Te Pou (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu) was a qualified builder for 15 years, but for the past 12 months has been an artist.

“It has been a bit of a leap of faith, but art is my passion and I love pursuing it.”

Now he and his wife, Cindy Te Pou are renovating a former service station on State Highway 2, near Ōtāne in Central Hawke’s Bay, into an art gallery and workshop for their business TP Illustration and Design.

In 2005, Hawke’s Bay Today reported BP was not renewing its contract to supply fuel to the Ōtāne Service Station, with a decision to focus on larger sites.

Pumps were removed in June that year, and the business closed.

Te Pou has now converted the double shed area into his carving area, while the shed where car maintenance was carried out will be the painting and teaching area.

The pair decided on the location as Cindy has taken on the role of principal at Takapau Primary School.

Te Pou also said the location was perfect for his artistic space and life vision.

“It’s not just a gallery, it’s a working creative environment where people can see art being made.”

He said the business had outgrown their Mahora home, where he worked from sheds and rooms.

“Ōtāne itself really drew us in; we’ve always dreamed of having a place where our mokos can come visit and have adventures.”

He said they had considered renting a shop, but prices were too high.

Te Pou said his artistic style incorporated 1980s cartoons, graffiti, and Māori flair for clothing, prints, and murals.

“My work is bold, cultural, and story-driven art that carries whakaaro, whakapapa, and wairua.

Netana Te Pou said he would sell clothing with his artwork on it out of the Gallery on State Highway 2.

“I draw a lot of inspiration from anime, 80s cartoons, and graffiti art, and I blend those styles with Māori elements to create something distinctive.

“For me, it’s not just about how a piece looks, it’s about the meaning, intention, and connection it holds.”

Te Pou said he planned to offer lessons in Māori art for individuals and groups.

“Teaching is something I’ve always wanted to do because creativity brings a sense of calm.

“Art can be healing, grounding, and empowering, and I want to share that experience with others.”

He wanted to use his space as an opportunity for rangatahi to display their work to the public as well.

“Each month we will do a big spiel on them.”

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.