A koha to the season of Matariki
Ko Maungakiekie te Maunga
Ko Mahuhu Ki Te Rangi, ko Te Kawau ngā Waka
Ko Waitematā te Moana
Ko Tumutumuwhenua te Whare Tupuna
Ko Ngāti Whātua te Iwi
As we mark the season of Matariki, a time to reflect, reset, and come together, I wanted to create something that truly honours the spirit of this moment. I’m Graham Tipene, a Tā Moko artist of Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, and Ngāti Manu descent, and this piece with BLUNT was born from the land, the light, and the stories of my people.
The inspiration came from those quiet, powerful moments just before dawn on Takaparawhau (Bastion Point).
That first light over the Waitematā Harbour holds a special energy, it’s when the spirit world and the world of the living briefly share space, and it’s a time of deep connection.
Each line in the design draws from traditional Māori patterns and carries meaning. Incorporating the Puhoro pattern speaks to our deep connection to water, movement and sustenance. The long unbroken lines are about striving for excellence and the half circles reflect the Maramataka (our lunar calendar) and the phases of the moon that guide us.
Creating this piece wasn’t something I did alone. My daughter led the design, all while navigating motherhood and constantly checking in with me.
This was a true whakapapa process, three generations working together, each contributing their own thread to the story.
The colour palette reflects that first light over the Waitematā, soft, muted, beautiful. When we brought the BLUNT team to Takaparawhau for dawn, we weren’t just sharing a view. We were sharing a lived experience as Tangata Whenua, as Ahi Kaa, as whānau.
This design is time-stamped to a specific moment: June 28, 2024, during the Hautapu dawn ceremony. It’s more than a visual, it's a legacy and a koha to the season of Matariki.
on 4x
$0.00 NZD