About Wetere Paki
Ko Taupiri, Ngongotahaa, me Taranaki ngaa maunga,
Ko Waikato, me Ngongotahaa ngaa awa,
Ko Tainui, Te Arawa, me Aotea ngaa waka,
Ko Waikato, Ngaati Whakaue, Te Ure o Uenukukoopako, me Ngaaruahine ngaa iwi,
Ko Wetere Paki tooku ingoa.
Teenaa koutou katoa, I am a ringataa, practicing taa moko alongside Tyla and Hiram in the Vaeau Family Studio.
I am committed to upholding the integrity of moko. I believe that by practicing and wearing moko as taangata whenua, we are connecting to the past, the present and ensuring that moko is alive for the future. Like Mataora in his journey to Rarohenga, moko can mark change and growth in our lives. By wearing moko, we are held accountable to our kaupapa, our whakapapa and to ourselves.
If you are interested in choosing me as your ringataa, the first step is for us to have a koorero. This can be in person or over Zoom. Together, we will discuss your kaupapa, your expectations and ideas around moko and I will share the tikanga of the whare. You are then invited to discuss the kaupapa further with your whaanau or hapori, and make a decision about whether I am the right ringataa for you.
To see examples of my mahi moko or to read more about my moko practice, please go to tekatootewai.com and/or @tekatootewai on Instagram. To contact me directly, please email me on tekatootewai@gmail.com.