Maori artists share pop up store in city

The Maori Pop Up Shop will feature the work of 10 artists and designers in Hinemoa St. Photo / File

A collective of Maori artists, designers and craftsman have come together to take part in a pop up shop in Rotorua CBD.

The Maori Pop Up Shop opened its doors on Hinemoa St on Wednesday, at the former site of JK Kids.

Host and organiser Taongahuia Maxwell said 10 people were involved in the collective, both locally and from Tauranga, Opotiki and Kawerau. A smaller version of the shop opened for four days last month.

"This collective are individual Maori businesses, getting together to create a shop and share the risks and rewards," Mrs Maxwell said. "I was part of one in Hamilton earlier in the year and the idea was to get a collective and bring people to us.

"Some do [their work] as a hobby, others follow the markets and some are full-time professionals."

Among the items for sale will be raranga (weaving) putiputi kete, bone and pounamu carving, clothing and vintage items. Kapa haka 2015 calendars photographed by Erica Sinclair will also be for sale. Designers and artists taking part include locals Leilani Rickard, Mereana Ngatai and Awhina Teka.

Mrs Maxwell said feedback about their previous store was that it was not an ordinary pop shop but more like a gallery.

"Everything has a Maori theme and is either designed or made by Maori," she said.

"Everyone who has a booth here make their own products - that's the kaupapa [agenda]. Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora ai te tangata - with your basket and my basket the people will survive."

The Maori Pop Up Shop is open at 1180 Hinemoa St, from 10am to 5pm. It will run until Sunday, with late night shopping tonight.