Amorangi Hikuroa – Clay artist

"Environment breeds Tikanga. Our Tupuna arrived on these shores with knowledge of how to exist. Through time and careful observation of Te Taiao, Tikanga was shaped and formed to harmonise with the ebbs and flows of Aotearoa the land of long abiding light. We exist because of this. We are the land and the land are We"

E tupu ake au i Whangārei, tētahi rohe o Ngāti Wai
Ko Whangārei au e noho ana
Ko Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Toro, Te Popoto tōku iwi
Ko Maunga Taniwha me Kakepuku tōku maunga
Ko Waihou, Waipa me Waikato tōku awa
Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua me Tainui tōku waka
Ko Hutoia me Te Kopua tōku Marae
Ko Amorangi Renata Hikuroa tōku ingoa

Amorangi Hikuroa is a potter and member of Ngā Kaihanga Uku, the Māori Clay Workers Collective. Amorangi sees it is a privilege to be part of the whakapapa of Uku – the ancient history connecting us to our pacific tupuna. Weaving narrative and the elements into his work, honouring stories old and new, fire, water, weather, and the great oceans that link all lands.

“In 2017 was the 30th birthday of our movement, Ngā Kaihanga Uku/Māori clay workers collective, clay is now and forever a media used by Māori. How long does an art form have to be practised before it is called a 'traditional practice’? We have avenues where clay is now utilised within our culture, made relevant by our mentors and founders of Ngā Kaihanga Uku… I pay homage to my ancestors, the greatest of navigators, and the first clay workers of the pacific. They left a map, a guide for us to follow, so we will always know where we’re from, where we are and where we’re going. We are all clay, the body of the mother.”

“Ahi Kaa” – Driving Creek 2025

“Hine Raumati” – Hihiaua Cultural Centre 2025

“Uku Poutiria” – Hihiaua Cultural Centre 2025

“E Tu Ngahere” – Hihiaua Cultural Centre 2025

“Hine Ukurangi” Suter Art Gallery 2024

“Nga Wai Tohu” Waitangi Exhibition Auckland, Waiheke Community Art Gallery 2024

“The Night” Quarry Arts Center Whangarei Fringe Festival 2024

“Aotearoa Art Fair” – MDGallery 2024

“Monstrum” – MDGallery 2023

“Tupuake” – Hihiaua Cultural Centre 2023

“Te Whanga a Reipae” – Wairau Maori Art Gallery 2023

“Toi Maori Gallery” – Aotearoa Art Fair 2022