Our story
Discover the heart behind Mana Toi. Learn about our journey, our passion for blending Māori tradition with modern art, and the values that guide everything we do. We invite you to explore our world and connect with the stories we tell through art.
About the artist
Keita Brightwell-Hauiti is a local Rotorua artist affiliated to Te Arawa, Ngati Porou and Ngati Raukawa iwi. With a diverse range of art pieces from oil painting and mixed media to carved creations, Keita brings a unique perspective to the world of Māori art. She exhibited locally at The Arts Village more recently and attended Elam School of Fine Arts from 1996-1999. As an active artist, she continuously produces fresh work and exhibits regularly.
Her themes include identity, te moana, te taiao, waka, colour, and the wairua within a surreal framework.
Māori values in our art
Our whanau art is a reflection of our current world. Where the dreams of the past, meet present day aspirations. Symbols are reminiscent of our weaved conscious and unconscious patterns of thought, moment and spiritual realisations.
Reaching the world
Our work reaches the shared consciousness of culture and identity that can be shared world wide. We aim to connect with both local Kiwis and international tourists, inviting everyone to explore and appreciate the stories and values woven into each piece.
"Exploring Mana Toi is like stepping into a world where tradition dances with innovation. The art is not just visually stunning, but also deeply meaningful, carrying the mauri of Māori culture."
A customer from Rotorua