Wellington Artist Tehani Buchanan Showcases Tīvaivai Heritage

Tehani Buchanan, a Wellington-based artist and educator, is set to co-curate an exhibition titled Tīpurepure Au Va’ine, showcasing the traditional Cook Islands art of tīvaivai. The exhibition, which features work from a collective known as The Mamas, aims to celebrate and evolve this artistic practice. It will open on December 6 at the Pātaka Art + Museum in Porirua, New Zealand.

Buchanan, who is of Ngāti Rupe Makea descent, has deep roots in the Cook Islands. Born in Rarotonga, she moved to Wellington at the age of three following her parents’ separation. Her father, Tim Buchanan, is a full-time artist in Rarotonga, which influenced her passion for creativity from an early age. She later pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Māori and politics while balancing personal responsibilities, including caring for a partner with cancer.

After teaching Māori in Auckland for two and a half years, Buchanan returned to Wellington in 2016 with the goal of purchasing a home. The family worked diligently on modest incomes to acquire a four-bedroom, two-storey house, which has undergone significant renovations.

Buchanan has transformed their 1957 former state house, creating a self-contained space for a friend and converting a separate toilet and bathroom into a spacious oasis. “I love colour, so I have slowly been painting all the walls,” she said, describing her eclectic interior style, which reflects her travels and personal history.

The artist emphasizes the importance of intentionality in her home decor, stating that each item must carry a story. This philosophy extends to her support for indigenous art, fostering a circular economy among her artist friends. One cherished piece is a vintage sideboard that belonged to her late grandfather, a reminder of her family’s legacy. Future plans for the home include adding double glazing, a pergola, and a sauna, as well as planting native trees with the help of her partner’s mother, an accomplished gardener.

Buchanan cherishes life in Porirua, where the community reflects her identity. “Home is where the heart is, and for us, that’s Porirua,” she explained. The area offers vibrant parks, cafes, and facilities that contribute to her creative inspiration.

For dining, Buchanan frequents Local Authority Speciality Coffee Bar near her gym and Cafe Kaizen at Pātaka Art + Museum, where she enjoys their keto omelette while working on her projects.

Every Sunday, she and her partner, Julia Whaipooti, walk the Te Onepoto Loop Track, a scenic 4.6-kilometre trail that showcases the region’s beauty. Their walks often include a refreshing swim on warm days, and Buchanan starts each morning with a stroll through Bothamley Park before her workday begins.

As the co-curator of Tīpurepure Au Va’ine, Buchanan’s commitment to preserving and promoting Cook Islands culture through tīvaivai is evident. The exhibition not only highlights her artistic journey but also serves as a testament to the rich heritage of the Cook Islands community in New Zealand.