ToiMataz

05/10/2025

This might look familiar; I may have made a few adjustments. Thank you Huia Publishers for this opportunity. Having my mahi toi covered in the 16 Huia Short Stories pukapuka is a big step in my journey.

I have just ordered two copies, so I’m excited to read some stories and poetry by finalists from the Pikihuia Awards for Māori writers of 2025. If you want a copy, visit huia.co.nz.

14/07/2025

❤️‍🔥

11/07/2025

“Think we sold the land for some blankets? Please”
-Rei . Toitū

I had fun making this one.

07/07/2025

“filling my cup”

Taking a breath. Being comfortable with the quiet. Sometimes I rely on background noise like music or Youtube videos to cancel out the noise in my head or to keep me occupied. I forget to take a minute to let my mind wonder in silence.

When I go out for a walk and listen to the wind blow through the trees, smell the grass as I pass, admire how the sun reflects off the water, and just being in the moment is just one of the ways of how I fill my cup.

And just to note, I noticed that in my last piece that some people referred to the drawing of the woman as me. I want to clarify that as the drawings kaupapa is based off what I see as “filling my cup” but the character itself isn’t exactly based of myself. They are of whoever you or how I see them as, whether it’s yourself or someone you know. I hope that makes sense :)

26/06/2025

“filling my cup”

Ways that I fill my cup is doing what I love which is being creative. I love drawing. What I enjoy most about drawing is sometimes when I start, I don’t always have a vision, but as I keep going I sometimes get that “ooo I like that actually”.

I would describe myself as an introvert but another reason why I love drawing is that when I share my work I guess it’s a way of how I communicate without having to say much.

As I’m coming close to 30 I’ve been trying to focus more on filling my cup, doing what makes me happy and healthy, mentally, physically and emotionally. I’m still learning but I’m excited to see what life has to bring

20/06/2025

Mānawatia a Matariki ✨

19/01/2025

Commissioned by parents gifting their daughter for her 21st birthday.

19/01/2025

19/01/2025

Te Whare Tapa Whā Series