Each year, we commission an artwork from a local artist; the only parameters are that it must be A2 size and reproducible. We cover the print costs and pay the artist for their time to create it. We then donate 100% of the retail price from the art sales to a charity of the artist's choice.
Here's a look at our journey back to 2022.
2025 - Madison Redman
Te Aupikinga a Tāwhaki Limited Edition Art Print
Te Aupikinga a Tāwhaki Limited Edition Art Print by Madison Redman
For 2025, we have collaborated with Madison Redman, also known as Kapowai. Madison painted an original artwork, which was then scanned to create a limited edition print.
The story behind the piece centres around Tāwhaki on his ascent to Ngā Rangi Tūhāhā (the celestial heavens), with Matakarepō / Whaitiri / Hine-nui-te-Pō guiding him from below. The Mother, Matariki, sits above him lighting the way.
Matariki is one of the most ancient Atua, she is the mother, her daughters are; Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipunarangi, Ururangi, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi. Together they form the Matariki constellation.
At the beginning of the year, the lines of stars that form Matariki-Tautoru-Takurua, create an inclined staircase (Te Ara Poutama). The poutama pattern represents Tāwhaki’s ascent in pursuit of higher knowledge and wisdom. At the end of the year, these stars set in the west, following the same line. This is the pathway to Rarohenga.
Madison Redman (Kapowai) is of Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa and Ngāpuhi descent.
Madison works full-time in Titirangi, where she was born and raised, as a multidisciplinary artist, with a practice including tā moko, painting, raranga (weaving) and printmaking. Her work explores themes around pūrākau and Ātua Māori, drawing inspiration from traditional carving, kōwhaiwhai and tukutuku/tāniko.
Madison feels privileged to be able to contribute to Toi Māori and believes that a key aspect of Matariki is acknowledging and honouring those that have passed, including tūpuna from long ago and the pūrākau from those times.
Madison’s choice of charity is Women’s Refuge. An organisation which supports women and children experiencing family violence in Aotearoa. They provide safe housing, 24/7 crisis support, and advocacy services to help survivors rebuild their lives. Their work also includes education and prevention programmes to break the cycle of violence. 100% of the retail price from each print sold will be donated.
“I feel that Matariki is a really important celebration for Aotearoa, a time for us to come together - tangata whenua and tangata tiriti alike, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute. Women's Refuge is a kaupapa that is close to my heart and I am grateful to help bring awareness and support to those whānau that are living in situations that are unsafe.”
2024 - Tristan Marler
Matariki Hunga Nui Limited Edition Art Print
This year we have collaborated with Tristan Marler (Manawa Tapu). His print depicts the nine whetū making up the Matariki constellation. Tristan celebrates Matariki as a time for whānau and friends to come together. He describes the occasion as a time to reflect on the past year and remember those who have passed. "It's a time to dream and make goals for the year to come, to acknowledge and give thanks for the kai provided for us by ngā Ātua Māori and to learn more about and celebrate our diverse culture and Te Ao Māori. It is exciting to live in a time where our taonga tuku iho are being celebrated and adopted by more Māori and non-Māori alike."
Tristan Marler (Manawa Tapu) is of Te Rarawa/Te Aupouri descent, from the Hokianga in Te Tai Tokerau (the Far North) of Aotearoa. A multi-disciplinary artist, Tristan is formally trained in Whakairo Rākau (traditional wood carving) and specialises in Tā Moko (traditional Māori Tattooing). Tristan considers himself lucky to be a full time artist. "I love to jump on any kaupapa that offers a chance to give back to the community and help other people. KidsCan is a charity I support as it looks after our tamariki living below the poverty line and gives them an opportunity for a better start in life, something all of us deserve."
Limited Edition Art Print printed by endemicworld on 100% textured cotton rag.
Tristan’s painting and printmaking practice blends his knowledge and experience to create bold, visually striking works, drawing on his rich cultural heritage. He seeks to honour the past and explore the future of Toi Māori through the preservation of traditional Māori arts and crafts.
100% of the money raised from the sale of this print were donated to 'KidsCan'.
2023 - Rakai Karaitiana
Ka mahuta a Matariki i te pae, ka mahuta ō tātou tūmanako ki te tau.
When Matariki rises above the horizon, our aspirations rise to the year ahead.
Rakai Karaitiana hand painting each print.
In this piece, Rakai sought to experiment with abstract forms that represent the real world. Within the composition, you can observe the moon in its final Tangaroa phase. The negative space reveals the presence of the nine stars of Matariki, while below, the sun is about to rise. A limited edition of 30 works were printed by endemicworld and hand embellished by Rakai. On average, it took him about half an hour to ink each one, resulting in a unique series with a personal touch.
Ngā Mata o Te Ariki o Tāwhirimātea Limited Edition Art Print by Rakai Karaitiana
This year’s sale proceeds directly sent to supported a whānau from Omahu. This family faced significant challenges from Cyclone Gabrielle, including extensive damage to their home. With the limited edition selling out, we raised $4,500 for this family. Being from Hawkes Bay himself, it was important to Rakai that these funds were directed for immediate relief.
2022 - Maku Fenaroli
Matariki Limited Edition Art Print
In our first year, 2022, we collaborated with artist Maku Fenaroli to create a limited edition screen-print for Matariki. Maku focussed on the constellation of nine stars which mark the beginning of the new year in the Māori Lunar calendar. Each print was individual and unique due to the handmade nature of this type of printing.
Maku is a self taught artist. She was born in Auckland, but moved to Melbourne in 2013. She has enjoyed drawing and painting all her life but only really started to share it when she moved to Australia. She is Ngāi Tūhoe, and her whanau are from the Waimana ranges. Having moved away from New Zealand, Maku feels a sense of home when creating Māori artwork with her signature layered patterns. "It really gave me that connection to home and my people. It was also really helpful to have the team help me narrow down my ideas too and then to have them sell out in such a short time was really validating" said the mother of two.
