We help whanau embrace their tupuna and acknowledge their whakapapa through Mãori Styled Portraits. We aim to capture the pride and beauty of your whanau. Imagine your loved ones wearing kahu huruhuru or korowai, moko stamps and kapa haka kakahu in portraits hanging on the wall.
We are a full service Portrait business and can guide you through the creation of canvas and framed wall art for your home. We offer print packages, framed portraits, canvas as well as digital files.
Established by Gareth & Teowai Ratahi in Poihakena in June 2014 to help our local Te Kõhanga Reo. Our vision is to create Portraits that whanau can cherish and pass on to future generations
make stunning portraits of the whole whanau
We provide everything you need to create a Māori styled Portrait. We have kakahu (pari /bodices & tipare/headbands), moko stamps, raukura and taonga. Turn up with your black lipstick on and we will provide the rest.
If your whanau is a blend of cultures bring along the pieces that represent your whakapapa(geneaology) from other cultures. We will blend your look to create taonga that showcase the whole whanau.
Through the eye of the Māori
Portrait Day or Private Sessions
Whanau can choose between a session at one of our Portrait Days or a Private session in the comfort of their own home.
For Portrait Day sessions click Book Now or use the menu option and you will be able to find all the upcoming Maori Portrait days we have in Australia and Aotearoa.
If you would you like to have a private session in your home check out our upcoming Portrait Days and book us for when we are in the area.
We have the option for both studio style and outdoor portraits when you book in our Patea studio. We have limited availability for these sessions and they are only available for whanau who can be flexible with the weather.
Our whanau will provide a professional and relaxing service no matter the location. We are laid back and have photographed over a thousand people. When it comes to kids ….Bribes are used…so please let us know if your kids arent allowed lollies.
provide for your family
Te Poto
up to 5 People
$100
- Moko stamps, Kākahu & Taonga for 1 to 5 People
- 20min Studio Style Session
- Viewing & Ordering on a tablet immediately after session
- $50 credit towards Packages
- Add up to 2 people $25 per person
Te Roa
6-10 People
$200
- Moko stamps, Kākahu & Taonga for 6 to 10 People
- 40min Studio Style Session
- Viewing & Ordering on a tablet immediately after session
- $50 credit towards Packages
- Add up to 2 people $25 per person
Whakaahua E Rua
Patea Studio Only
$200
- Patea Studio Only
- Moko stamps, Kākahu & Taonga for up to 7 People
- 20min Location Session
- 20min Indoor Studio Style Session
- Private Viewing & Ordering on a Large Screen immediately after session
- 1-High Res Digital Portrait
Te Nui
Private Group Package
$500
- 60min Studio Style Session in your home
- Everything is brought to your home/venue and set up for your whanau
- Moko stamps, Kākahu & Taonga for up to 10 People
- Immediate Viewing & Ordering after session
- 1-High Res Digital Portrait
- Travel fees may be additional depending on location and timing
Tekau
Prints & Digitals
$1099
- 10 Poses
- Ten a4 Prints
- 10 Digital Negatives
Whitu
Prints & Digitals
$779
- 7 Poses
- Seven a4 Prints
- 7 Digital Negatives
Canvas
Starting at
$650
- $650 MEDUIM 12″X18″
- $850 LARGE 20″X30″
- $950 Extra Large 30″x40″
- $1000 COLLAGE PANO 20″X40″
Digital Only
Portraits
- 4 Digital Portraits edited in Black & White, Sepia and Colour
- Delivered via online gallery
- Prints can be ordered via gallery
- Additional Portraits $100 each
- Download 2024 Pricelist
When should we arrive?
If you wish to be costumed for your session please arrive 20mins prior. This will give you time to change into your chosen outfit, apply a moko stencil should you want one and ensure you are ready to go when your photography time starts.
Do you provide all the costumes in the photographs?
Some people have brought their own items along so if you’ve seen something in our photographs that you like please contact us and confirm that it does belong to us.
What is in a package?
We have our own taonga, can we bring them?
How many photos can we get?
We recommend looking at our other photos to get an idea of what you would like for your session.
What should we wear?
Wear solid dark colours and collared shirts for the menfolk. Dress pants or nice clean jeans will always look classic in a portrait. You don’t have to dress up for your family portrait.
A plain shirt will also look good with a Korowai should you choose not wear a costume. Strapless bras and clothes that are easy to change are a must if you want to get dressed up.
If you have clothing from a different nation that you want to wear for your photograph please do bring it.
We have tipare, kakahu and kapahaka costumes.
What about eyeliner, make up etc?
We ask that you come to the session with your make up already applied how you want it if that is your preference.
If you have sensitive lips, cold sores or are prone to them please bring your own lipstick.
What will happen when we get there?
When you arrive we will get you outfits, apply moko stamps should you want them and talk about what you want to do with your portraits.
When your session starts we will photograph the family as a unit and individuals or any arrangements you request. If you tell us you just want a group photo then that’s all we will shoot.
Afterwards you will be shown your unedited photographs on a tablet. From these photographs you will choose your package print and order any products you want.
Do we have to pay for our package on the day?
You must view your photos and make your order on the day. We will only back up the photos you choose so please allow time for this.
Payment must be made at the time of ordering. We accept cash, visa/mastercard or paypal. You can start paying off your package with a payment of $100 on the day.
We offer laybuy.com and Zippay as interest & fee free payment plans to those who qualify. Afterpay is available through our ANZ eftpos. Head to their websites to get pre-approval.
Your order will be delivered to your home address approx 4 weeks after your final payment.
How long will it take for our package to arrive?
What if we want a longer session?
We do offer private sessions at your home. These start at $500 and include 5 digital files.
The Māori people
Upcoming Portrait Days
Teowai Ratahi
Director
Teowai Ratahi (nee Hiku), Nga Puhi & Waikato. Born in Auckland and raised in Pukekohe. Started Say Monkey Photography in 2009 and exstablished Poihakena Portraits in 2014. Now living in Patea Taranaki.
Gareth Ratahi
Director
Gareth Ratahi of Taranaki & Te-Ati-Awa. Born in Hawera, raised in Kaka Point on the South Island. Gareth can be found behind the camera at most of our Portrait days.
Get in Touch
We are always more than happy to talk with you over the phone or email.
Feel free to contact us.
Derby st, Patea
Taranaki, New Zealand
AU STUDIO
Denzil Ave, St Clair
NSW, Australia 2759
Teowai: +64 220 294 492
Gareth: +64 22 527 0728
te@poihakenaportraits.com