Te Whitu Kahurangi Hotere
Tā Moko and Kirituhi
Ko Te Rarawa me Ngāti Mutunga ngā iwi, ko Te Tāo Maui te hapū. Ko Te Whitu Kahurangi Hotere tōna ingoa.
Te Whitu Kahurangi Hotere was born and raised in Manurewa, South Auckland. He has been fortunate to learn under experienced kaiwhakairo (traditional Māori carvers), including Jay Rawiri Mason and Bobby Te Huia, while also studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Through the knowledge, resources, and research methods gained from studying whakairo (traditional Māori wood carving), he has adapted these practices into his work by embedding them into the skin.
Te Whitu specialises in tā moko and kirituhi, using traditional Māori patterns and motifs to represent Māori culture, ancestry, tribal affiliations, and journeys of self-discovery for both Māori and tauiwi.
He has spent over 10 years involved in his own mahi toi projects, including 5–6 years of tattooing experience, spending the past year tattooing in a professional studio.
