Art of Poi

Ākona te whakapapa o te Poi mai i a Georgia Latu, te Tumu Whakarae o Pōtiki Poi.

Ka mātua tukuna ngā tūranga ki te hunga tāpui wawe i ngā tīkiti i runga i te iti o te mōrahi o ngā tūranga.

Learn about the rich whakapapa and stories interwoven into poi in this special workshop with the extraordinary Georgia Latu from Pōtiki Poi. Georgia will share her love of poi, a taonga precious to her and her whānau. She will also discuss the parts of poi and how to use them, while sharing her own journey as a young Māori leader and business entrepreneur.

There are two sessions available – bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Please commit to participating for the full hour of the workshop when you register.

Georgia Latu started eco-friendly Pōtiki Poi in her hometown of Ōtepoti Dunedin at the age of 12. Needing to raise funds to attend a wānanga in Rotorua, she took her love for making presents for friends into starting a new business. Georgia raised $1000 towards her trip in just three days and at 13, became the CEO of Pōtiki Poi, named after her ancestor Tahu Pōtiki, who led her people to the South Island, and after Api, her little brother. Pōtiki means ‘youngest brother’ in te reo Māori. She shares the whakapapa of poi through her pukapuka Ngā Mihi, which she wrote with her mum during the Covid lockdown.

Pōtiki Poi is the world’s largest poi-making company. In 2023 Georgia was recognised for her leadership and innovation at the Impact Awards and was a finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year. Georgia will soon be 18 and is studying full time at Toihoukura – School of Māori Visual Arts.

Photo credit: Alan Dove