Authentic Māori Art Gallery
Aroha Hathaway set up Arohart as a marketplace for local Māori artists. Prior, little genuine Māori art was being offered in the community. There was a lot of cheap, imported craft and some work that could be described as cultural misappropriation. So Arohart was created to bring mana back to genuine Māori arts and art practitioners.
The gallery has now become a kind of Māori hub, offering wānanga, classes, workshops and opportunities for the community to learn and grow.
Aroha Hathaway is of Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngā Puhi heritage, but was born in Thames (at the local hospital) and Thames is her home. She’s graced New Zealand’s airwaves and screens for nearly 30 years and contributes to her industry and community at all levels. An artist, performing artist, radio executive board member and Māori celebrator, Aroha now adds the role of Company Director to her kete.
Tikirau Hathaway BCE (Tūhoe, Ngati Kahungunu, and Ngā Puhi), has been an actor and film and television contributor. He’s grown up in radio, film and television, and developed a love for visual art and design. Tikirau Hathaway is a Unitec, Ngā Puna O Waiōrea and Te Uru Karaka graduate.
