te_māreikura who?

Tahiti Nui. Rongowhakaata. Ngāti Porou. Ngāti Toa. Ngāti Raukawa. Tūwharetoa. Te Arawa.

My name is Te Māreikura Whakataka-Brightwell and I am a vibrant advocate of indigenous cultural advancement, possessing a rich heritage that intertwines the arts, politics and cultural innovation. Born in Tahiti and raised in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne), Aotearoa (New Zealand), my lineage is steeped in the traditions of the Pacific. My grandfather, Francis Puara Cowan, was a renowned Tahitian navigator, and my father, Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, is a celebrated tohunga whakairo (Māori master carver). Together, they famously sailed the Hawaiki Nui double hulled canoe from Tahiti to Aotearoa in 1985, a pivotal voyage in the revival of Polynesian canoe voyaging. My mother Raipoia, is a champion va’a paddler (outrigger canoeing) who has contributed significantly to the development of the ancestral sport, all enriching my upbringing with a profound connection to my ancestors' maritime prowess.

My photographic work explores the notion of tangata whenua Māori identity and depicts centuries old whakapapa to our Polynesian motherland, Hawaiki Nui which is situated in the Tahitian islands. I use portraiture to inspire connection with our past, present and future as a means for unlocking our DNA potential.

I curate all my images including subject selection, lighting, styling and regalia choices.

My work is guided by a deep understanding of indigenous connection and a commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural legacy for the future.