SESSION Abstract: A Creative Journey Through Māori Art, Storytelling and New Technology
What happens when ancient traditions meet modern technology? In this workshop, Jacob Scott, a pioneer in contemporary Māori art and education, takes you inside his creative world. As the principal of Te Ara Hihiko, Jacob has spent decades navigating the intersection of whakairo (carving), design, architecture, and digital innovation. His large-scale public artworks, crafted using CNC routers and purpose-built software, can be found at Hawke's Bay Airport, schools, hospitals, and cycleways across New Zealand. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of New Zealand's most respected Māori artists about creativity, cultural storytelling, and the tools shaping our future.
Date: Monday 3rd August
Time & format: The course will start at 10am, with a coffee/tea break followed by a lively facilitated discussion to answer all your curious questions. The course will finish at 12pm.
Location: We are delighted to be hosting at Creative Arts Napier, 16 Byron Street, Napier
About the experts
Jacob Scott
Jacob Scott (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa) is a pioneer in contemporary Māori art and arts education. Based in Hawke's Bay, he is the principal of Te Ara Hihiko, a creative thinklab fusing traditional whakairo with modern technology. Jacob founded the Eastern Institute of Technology's Art and Design School and established New Zealand's first degree-level programme in whakairo, raranga, and rauangi. His large-scale public artworks, created using CNC technology and sustainable materials, feature at Hawke's Bay Airport, schools, hospitals, and cycleways nationwide. He is a founding Kāhui Whetū member of Ngā Aho and a lifetime member of Toi Iho.
Christina Tay - Learning Facilitator
Christina is a lifelong learner with a profound passion for exploring diverse cultures and disciplines. Her curiosity has inspired extensive global travel, from teaching English to Buddhist monks in Laos and volunteering at a Thai orphanage to visiting museums across Europe, the UK, and Asia. A highlight of her travels is the Bishop Museum in Hawai'i, which she visits frequently, including during the 2014 World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education.
Her academic journey began with law and politics at Waikato University, where she discovered dispute resolution. She subsequently earned a Master’s in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Strathclyde University, UK. This period included an exchange at the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai and research in Hong Kong on the ombudsman's role.
Currently a Learning Facilitator for Love Heart Social Learning, Christina also teaches the Restorative Practices microcredential at Victoria University. A fully accredited restorative justice facilitator and assessor, she recently delivered mediation training in Micronesia. Previously, she served as Director of Employee Assistance Resolution Services at Victoria University.
Outside of work, Christina enjoys connecting with loved ones and attending international events, such as the 2025 Restorative Practices conference in Singapore, to continually expand her expertise.
Other learning activities you may be interested in
Introduction to Permaculture
Living with Birds with Bernie Kelly
Hands on with AI tools Workshop
Native Restoration in Wetlands
Longtailed bats Workshop
Ecosystems, Native Plants & Floristry
Staying robust and independent as we age - Workshop
Creative Arts Workshop (Lessons from the Improv Stage for Everyday Life)
Society & Us Workshop (Environmental Justice in Aotearoa)
Creative Arts Workshop (Shakespeare: The Ultimate Screenwriter Debate)
Creative Arts Workshop (Creativity After Corporate Life)
