Having her first solo show at Timaru’s recently restored Aiganthighe Art Gallery added extra layers of meaning to local photographer Maania Tealei’s already powerful portrait exhibition. Josie Steenhart talks to her about her work.
Maania, how did you first get into photography, and when/ how did it become a career?
I first discovered photography at Temuka High School during art class.
I couldn’t paint or draw well, but I loved using the film cameras.
My first project was photographing two wooden chairs and a kete — a simple subject, but it sparked something in me. I learned how to develop my own negatives in the darkroom, and that’s when the seed was planted.
Years later, after becoming a māmā, I picked up a camera again to capture moments with my tamariki.
That passion grew and eventually evolved into something I wanted to share with others.
In 2020, after leaving my admin job, I decided to take the leap and turn photography into a career.
How long have you lived in Timaru, and what’s special about living/working there?
I was born and raised in South Canterbury and now live in the rural outskirts of Timaru with my husband and our two children.
Timaru is a beautiful place to raise a whānau. There’s a strong sense of community here, and I’ve been lucky to find and build a village of people who support me and my mahi.
What’s most special is being able to work with local whānau and capture their stories in a meaningful, culturally grounded way.
Aigantighe is a very special gallery. How did your exhibition there come to be, and how was it to show there?
I’ve taken my tamariki to Aigantighe over the years during the school holidays and always admired the space.
Through Ignite Timaru, I worked alongside former curator Hamish, who encouraged me to consider doing an exhibition focused on Māori portraiture, especially after I shared how tough it was for many of my clients to invest in portrait sessions due to economic pressures.
He planted the seed of seeking funding so I could continue doing the work I love while still being valued for my skills. I put together a proposal, and the gallery was incredibly supportive.
When the opportunity arose to create an exhibition honouring our kaumātua (elders) and their cultural legacy, I knew Aigantighe would elevate the kaupapa (concept). Seeing Māori portraits adorned in Kākahu (cultural garments) and taonga (treasures) on those gallery walls was emotional. It felt important and affirming.
Tell us a bit about putting the exhibition together . . .
The idea started with wanting to honour our kaumātua and create a taonga that future generations could look back on with pride. Our ātua are the heart of our communities, carriers of history, language and mātauranga (traditional knowledge). This exhibition is about recognising and celebrating them as they are, in all their beauty, dignity and mana. I spent months mentally planning and developing ideas but didn’t start photographing until about two months before the opening.
Each portrait is presented in two parts, one showing our kauma ¯tua in their everyday joy or happy place and one where they’re wearing Māori kākahu, representing the strength and presence of our tupuna (ancestors).
Many of the kaumātua had personal or whānau connections to me. I tried to include a representation of the families who have played a role in my life and others who have contributed to our community or had links to my grandparents.
Seeing the pride and emotion on our kaumātua’s faces when they saw themselves reflected in their culture that was unforgettable.
These moments reminded me why I do what I do.
I also loved the unexpected kōrero, kaumātua sharing stories about my grandparents, speaking of the old days. It felt healing, like reconnecting with my own whakapapa (ancestry). Those conversations were a gift I didn’t know I needed.
My hope is that this is just the beginning and the series can grow in the future.
Do any of the works have particular resonance for you?
Honestly, I don’t have a single favourite. The collection as a whole is what I love most what it represents for the whānau, hapū and community.
Each portrait has its own special moment: a burst of colour, a tender connection, a proud stance or unique styling that brings the subject to life.
This exhibition is my aroha, my offering to those who came before, and those still to come.
- Josie Steenhart — [email protected] — is editor of 03 The South Island Lifestyle Magazine.
