Photo: RNZ
For Māori, tā moko – tattooing – is a significant way of expressing identity. AUT radio student Keani Erstich-Coles takes listeners along for her personal journey into this world where technology and tradition meet.
Images from Helen Mitchell's exhibition, 'Tattoo Aotearoa New Zealand'. Danielle, David, Marea, Rua. Photo: Photos: Helen Mitchell
About the creator
Keani Erstich-Coles Photo: Keani Erstich-Coles
21 year old Keani Erstich-Coles (Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Kahu) grew up in Northland.
She is graduating from AUT with a Bachelor in Communication Studies Majoring in Radio and Minoring in Journalism.
Passionate about storytelling and writing, Keani is looking to make a difference in NZ media and document stories of Te Ao Māori.
Tā Moko is a big part of Māori culture and Keani realised there is a huge misconception of what it is and what it means among Non-Māori.
With this in mind, she decided to explore it herself. Keani hopes that this project will prompt everyone to learn more about Tā Moko and see the beauty in the art form.
Following the experience of making this documentary, She is hoping to receive her tā Moko after graduation in 2020.
