Richard Francis working on Kiwi rugby league player Dean Whare during the filming of Moko Aotearoa. Photo/Velvet Stone Media
Richard Francis working on Kiwi rugby league player Dean Whare during the filming of Moko Aotearoa. Photo/Velvet Stone Media
A television series that gives an insight into the life and passions of Maori kai ta (tattoo artists), including Rotorua's own Richard Francis, will premiere tonight.
Mr Francis (Te Arawa) appears alongside four other renowned kai ta in the Maori Television programme Moko Aotearoa. The 10-episode series was created byRotorua-based Velvet Stone Media production company.
The show will see Mr Francis, of TOIARIKI Contemporary Ta Moko meeting clients from all walks of life wanting a significant piece of their own, including Kiwi rugby league player Dean Whare who wanted a moko ahead of the Rugby League World Cup last year. It also delves into how he juggles his full-time work as a kai ta with his two children and his passions in kapa haka and sport.
Whakatane-based Katz Maihi is also a local kai ta in the series sharing his passion for both moko and music with his reggae band, Yesiyah, recording their debut single during the first season.
Esteemed Maori carver and ta moko practitioner Rangi Kipa, who is also based in Whakatane, is another feature, representing the first generation of kai ta who paved the way for all artists operating in this contemporary medium today.
Series producer Lara Northcroft said the programme was a celebration of local talent within an art form that had opened doors for the Maori visual arts community both locally and internationally.
"Velvet Stone Media is fortunate to have this opportunity to highlight a subject that means so much to us as Maori while showcasing the skill and talent of a range of ta moko practitioners."
Moko Aotearoa premieres on Maori Television tonight at 8pm.
