Professor Ngataiharuru Taepa

Ngatai joined the Rautāpatu board in August 2024. He is one of Aotearoa’s most significant and innovative contemporary Māori artists. Ngatai has produced an impressive body of work that combines indigenous concepts with contemporary expression. He has fashioned a unique identity for himself in his exploration of the relevance of kōwhaiwhai painting today.

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He currently resides in Palmerston North, where he serves as the Kaihautu Toi Māori - Director of Māori Arts at Massey University. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts and his Masters in Māori Visual Arts at Massey University, where he lectured in the Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts programme until undertaking his current role.

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His artistic journey is enriched by a lineage of creativity, being a third-generation contemporary Māori artist. His work has been prominently featured in various exhibitions, including those at the Auckland Art Gallery, where he has contributed to the ongoing conversation about native art in contemporary spheres.

The present chair of Te Atinga, Contemporary Visual Arts Committee of Toi Māori Aotearoa, Ngatai is driving this influential committee into exciting indigenous international connections for the next generation of Māori artists. 

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He has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally. His work is held in prestigious collections including Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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We welcome his valuable contributions and experience to enrich our board.

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​Image credit: Russell Kleyn via Art Collector