We don't play favourites, but we sometimes get to know customers on a personal level and that brings us great joy. Rawiri Te Hurinui-Haumaha (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tuhoe, Ngāti Raukawa) is one of those customers. Rawiri invited us into his home to take a look at his art collection, many pieces of which he has purchased at The Poi Room.
Cover image: Rawiri Te Hurinui-Haumaha and Nātanahira Harding at home
Above, Rawiri wears and holds pieces by Alex Sands while displaying a piece by Jim Schuster purchased during our Matariki exhibition.
How long have you been an art collector?
About three years or so, I've bought a lot in that time. Lee-Anne (Newmarket Gallery Manager) knows my taste and makes contact when something comes in that she knows I'll like.
Not really. I tend to have a physical and emotional reaction to artwork. Last week I went into get Pounamu earrings for my flatmate then I saw a panel by Ra Gossage above the doorway. It was in colours I like so it came home with me.
Left: Eclectic finds and vintage pieces feature amongst the works Rawiri has purchased at The Poi Room; Right: Rawiri purchased Kahurangi Roa by Ra Gossage on a whim.
With the wall hanging by Jim Schuster I was walking past while Lee-Anne and Melanie-Jane were preparing to hang the exhibition. I said "How much is that?", and Lee-Anne said "I haven't even hung it up yet". I said "I didn't ask that". I bought it before the exhibition even started.
I covet all of it. But I'm more likely to just go into the space and then have a moment with something and decide I want to have it.
I think it would have been one of the paintings or one of the Pounamu pieces. I've bought lots of Taonga like the one I'm wearing and also earrings. I have Pounamu and whalebone earrings.
Above, Clockwise from top left: A piece by Leonie Sharp sits amongst other treasures on Rawiri's bedroom wall; Inspiration is everywhere; Rangatira Hei Kahu Kereru and Rangatira Hei Kahu Huruhuru by Regal Enterprises perch above a selection of books. The Piupiu belonged to Rawiri's Nan and is 45 years old; The couple love houseplants and colourful memorabilia.
