Talanoa: Pita Turei

Our Talanoa series comes out of our Marsden Project (2019-2023), 'Vā Moana: space and relationality in Pacific thought and identity'.

Pita Turei (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi) is known for his work as a curator, sculptor, dancer, Māori ritual specialist and staunch cultural and iwi advocate. He is a respected storyteller and orator, connecting a new generation with the ancient histories and pūrākau of Tāmaki Makaurau. In this interview, Pita describes his understanding of vā/wā as a multi-disciplinary Māori arts practitioner and his engagement with artists from Moananui since the 1980s.

To cite: Turei, P. (17 December 2020). Interview with Pita Turei (Videographer: Paul Janman; interviewer: Albert L. Refiti). Vā Moana: space and relationality in Pacific thought and identity interviews, Vā Moana - Pacific Spaces Research Cluster, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Click here to watch the talanoa.