Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Tuwharetoa ta moko artists to mark Maori new year

Updated at 7:07 pm on 2 May 2012

A group of Maori tattoo artists from Ngati Tuwharetoa are coming together for the first time at a major festival to mark Maori new year celebrations in May.

The biennial Erupt Lake Taupo Festival in Turangi is the largest cultural stage event in the Central Plateau region, with big outdoor concerts through to intimate events showcasing New Zealand international theatre, dance, music, and comedy.

Festival director Amanda Wright says it's the first time Tuwharetoa ta moko (tattoo) artists have worked along side each other; and it's special.

The Ta Moko Tuwharetoa show includes: Haki Williams, Hemi Te Peeti, Kingi Pitiroi and Henriata Nicholas to name but a few.

Ms Wright says highlights of the music show Nga Tae include taonga puoro musician, Richard Nunns who is renowned for revitalising traditional Maori instruments and Horomona Horo, one of New Zealand's best known electronic musicians.

Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand