DAMIAN MACKIE

Born in Tahuna / Queenstown, Aotearoa, and a descendant of Ngāti Kura, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Waitaha, Damian’s kaupapa toi skill set encompasses Whakairo / Māori Wood Carving, Tā Moko / Māori tattooing and Rauangi / visual art.

Damian holds a Bachelor of Māori Art qualification – Maunga Kura Toi (Whakairo) and is employed as a Kaiwhakairo / Carver, Kaiako Whakairo / Carving tutor and the Centre Manager at the Whakaraupō Carving Centre Trust.

Residing in Ōtautahi Damian’s kaupapa is to uphold the mana of kaupapa Māori toi, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, mana whenua, tangata whenua, tangata Tiriti and his tūpuna.

‘I have an obligation as a Māori artist to ensure knowledge is shared and to promote Tino Rangatiratanga in all spaces’