Newsmaker: Mereana Ngatai

Mereana Ngatai is building stronger networks in fashion. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER

This week's Newsmaker is Mereana Ngatai, a Maori fashion designer and artist. She will show her designs next month at the inaugural OHO fashion show.

Tell us about yourself:
Ko Mereana Ngatai ahau, he uri o Ngati Rangiwewehi, Te Arawa, Ngati Whatua, Ngapuhi. Ko Guy Ngatai toku hoa rangatira, Ko Rehua raua ko Akiwa aku tamariki. Ko Rotorua toku hau kainga.

I'm a hard worker and I'm committed to my family and absolutely determined. I really believe we create our own opportunities. Be fearless in your endeavours. I came from a solo mum family far removed from any traditional Maori roots, I grew up in south Auckland when it was more farmland than city. My childhood was intertwined with the local watering hole so to speak. Adults didn't make any positive impression on me until I went to Auckland Girls Grammar School, where I came into contact with Maori mentors from Auckland University who added their perspective to our cultural group. Two years later my mum sent me to Rotorua to reconnect with my Te Arawa side.

How did you get into your career?
I came to Rotorua in 1987, trained at Waiariki and after four years left with a degree in Maori Art.
In 2012 I entered Rotorua Wearable Arts and won the culture section and a $5000 scholarship to attend Waiariki. In 2013 I returned to Waiariki and due to work commitments I chose two of the Fashion Textile classes; Pattern Making and Garment Construction. In 2014 I was selected to show my collection at Miromoda. Now I'm launching my fashion label.

What do you love about your job?
I teach Visual Art and Digital Photography at Te Kura o Te Koutu from Tuesday to Thursday. I create and sell my art, from fashion and accessories to paintings, prints and textiles at Maori Made on Hinemoa St. I'm also a cultural performer here in Rotorua, have been since my teens. In 2006 my husband and I created a Cultural Performance Company. We perform every night at Te Puia. My latest venture is to build a stronger networks in art and fashion, and create a base for creative youth looking to work in the industry.

What have been your biggest achievements?
I suppose it's how you measure achievement. Moments of emotion. The birth of our children. Starting my Diploma in Teaching while pregnant with our daughter and graduating while holding her in my arms. Holding our moko for the first time. Standing proudly with my husband and family as we welcomed manuhiri on to the marae at the 100 year celebrations of Waiteti Marae. Singing a tribal chant and crying while our son crosses the stage to collect his Sport and Fitness Certificate, and his acceptance into the Sport and Fitness Degree course. Having my fashion collection selected for Miromoda. Building a personal and business reputation of integrity and honesty.

What do you love about Rotorua?
Early morning paddle on the lake, simply bliss nothing like it. The connection of the people to the environment and to the history of Rotorua. There is no denying the cultural nature of Rotorua. Your senses are bombarded with visual stimulation, of the beautiful meeting houses and the carvings that all add to the historical stories. I also love the tribal competitive nature here, that makes us strive for higher standards. Also the closeness to nature, to our lakes, forests, and mountain and again that tangible link to our stories and history.

Tell us three things about yourself most people wouldn't know:
While training at Waiariki in the late 80s I loved to dance the night away at the old Tudor Towers. I literally jumped into the fire when I took a teaching position at Te Koutu with little Te Reo confidence, and it is the staff and students back then in 2000 that I credit my language to. My best is yet to come.