Maia Gibbs

Ko Horouta te Waka

Ko Matiti te Maunga

Ko Maraetaha te Awa

Ko Ngai Tāmanuhiri

Ko Ngati Rangiwaho te Haapu

Ko Te Muriwai Te Marae

Ko Maia Gibbs Tōku ingoa

Being brought up in Tūranganui A Kiwa Maia draws inspiration from the creative genius that emanates from the carved and painted meeting houses and cultural history that flows from te Tairawhiti. This includes the origins of whakairo, tā moko, kowhaiwhai and raranga. His father, accomplished māori artist Dr. Tipene Gibbs has had an immense impact on Maia’s creative practise along with Tā Derek Lardelli and Riki Manual. All incredibly influential to the revival, revitalization and development of the beautiful art forms we have today.

A recipient of the Sir Edmond Hillary scholarship in 2008 Maia went on to gain a bachelors degree in Computer Graphic Design through Te where wananga o Waikato whilst maintaining his connection to te ao toi māori and furthering his knowledge under theguidance of some of aotearoa’s most prolific māori artists.

Returning home to Tūranganui a Kiwa in 2020 along side good friend, renowned tā moko practitioner and contemporary designer Henare Brooking led to the establishment of Toi Ake. A creative arts hub showcasing the finest contemporary and traditional māori art whist maintaining the foundations of creative excellence that are grounded within te Tairawhiti.

Maia’s creative vocabulary includes Tā moko (traditional māori skin marking) ,Contemporary Māori art spanning many different mediums and digital design from logo and media rebranding to illustration.