Maori Made on the way

By LINDA HERRICK

The somewhat controversial "toi iho Maori Made Mark" will start appearing in selected retail outlets next week, from July 1. Creative New Zealand's Te Waka Toi panel has approved applications by 37 artists and six retail outlets to use the licensed tags as identification for "authentic Maori artworks and crafts".

The artists include fashion designer Charles Walker, weaver Kahu Te Kanawa and furniture designer Carin Wilson, all from Auckland, and Dargaville jeweller Alex Nathan and Taranaki carver Rangi Kipa.

No Auckland retailers have been awarded the right to use the toi iho Maori Made Mark; that goes to places like Te Papa and Artmaori in New Plymouth.

Some established Maori artists have been given honorary use of the mark, including Michael Parekowhai, Witi Ihimaera (will his publishers put the mark on his books?), Cliff Whiting and Gavin Bishop. The closing date for the next round of applications is August 9.