What is Tikanga?

Broadly speaking, tikanga refers to the correct way of doing things. Not in a formal sense, but in a truer, deeper spirit. There is much power and beauty in the traditional arts of Maori, and doing things in a tikanga way taps into that strength.

In the past, representations of Maori have been sanitized, formalised and made picturesque for tourists. In the process, depth and emotion has been lost or obscured. The restoration of tikanga brings impact, resonance and memorability. It’s not about political correctness or merely ticking the right protocol boxes, it’s about a new appreciation of the culture that can have a lasting effect on both Pakeha and Maori.

Who is Tikanga.com?

The principle figure in TIKANGA.COM is Inia Maxwell. Inia has a long history with the Te Arawa Ngati Rangiwewehi Kapahaka group, twice winners of the Aotearoa Performing Arts Festival and guests of the 2000 Edinburgh Military Tattoo. He has performed Kapahaka in Spain, USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia.

Inia has experience in television production as a news cameraman. He is a graduate of the EIT Drama School and has had feature roles in both “Hercules” and “The Lost World”.

As the son of the founders of Ngati Rangiwewehi and the nephew of Sir Howard Morrison, he has a background steeped in the visual and performing arts.