I wish I’d made that

Join us at Objectspace on Thursday 23 October for an evening of reflection and creative insight with five Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland-based Māori designers, artists and professionals.

In conjunction with Pohewa Pāhewa: Te Rūma, each speaker will share a taonga they wish they’d made – something that has sparked creative inspiration or admiration.

Speakers include Kiri Nathan, Max Quinn-Tapara and Nigel Borell, with your final two to be announced soon.

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Kiri Nathan is co-founder of self-named fashion brand KIRI NATHAN. KN embodies identity and inclusivity. Inspired by Aotearoa New Zealand and te ao Māori, the company is built on tradition, culture, unique designs, integrity, and a clear company vision.

Max Quinn-Tapara (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Maniapoto) born and raised in Te Upoko-o-te-ika-a-Māui, is a Graphic Designer at Extended Whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau. Guided by his whakapapa, his practice explores how culture and narrative can be expressed through fresh, engaging design. Previously at Haumi, Max unified strategy and pūrākau through identity work that bridged iwi, architectural, and commercial projects. At Extended Whānau, he works closely with people and organisations to craft contemporary Māori design that carries visual languages and stories into the world.

Nigel Borell is of Pirirakau, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Whakatōhea tribal descent. He is a curator, writer, Māori arts advocate, and artist specialising in Māori art in both customary and contemporary fields of research. Borell has had an active role in the arts and culture sector spanning the past 25 years. Borell was a recipient of The Art Foundation’s A Moment In Time – He Momo award, for his contribution to New Zealand arts and culture in curating the landmark exhibition Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori art in 2022. He is currently Curator Taonga Māori at The Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira.

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Our thanks to The Purple Gift for providing special support for public programming around Pohewa Pāhewa: Te Rūma.