Tēnā koutou katoa,
Toi Manahau The Designers Institute firmly believes that our nation and design industry are richer for te ao Māori – it’s tikanga, mātauranga, whakaaro and reo.
As custodians of design, creativity and cultural expression, we acknowledge our role in fostering a community that respects and celebrates the diversity inherent in our nation as tangata tiriti and tangata whenua. We also recognise the importance of active engagement, collaboration and ongoing dialogue to deepen our understanding of te ao Māori.
Our purpose is to be an organisation that understands and incorporates the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice and how that can support and grow the design industry of Aotearoa – now and for future generations.
We will continue building the best design community in the world. A community that appreciates the value of our unique culture and place in the world. A community that supports our members, partners and collaborators in their creative journeys and partnerships with tangata whenua.
The connection, insight and understanding that we can all gain from leaning into te ao Māori are beneficial on so many levels – personal, creative and collective.
Kia manawanui,
Toi Manahau The Designers Institute
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TOP IMAGE
Toki Poutangata - shaped under the mana of Toitanga, the weaving of the arts. When held it absorbs the mana of the individual, their goodwill and the mauri in the atmosphere at that time and place.
Carved by Troy Harbottle
Base carved by Clive Fugill, Black Pin 2019