Gordon Toi Hatfield

Gordon Toi Hatfield, a distinguished figure in Māori arts, completed his education at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua in 1983, where he was honored with the Sir Henry Kalliher Student of Honour Award for his exceptional skills. In the mid-1990s, he achieved the prestigious status of Top Warrior after extensive training in Māori traditions, becoming a source of inspiration for Māori youth through his involvement in rehabilitation initiatives within schools.

Recognized for his expertise in wood carving, Gordon has crafted numerous traditional meeting houses, including the notable Tane-nui-a-rangi at Auckland University. His most acclaimed work, however, lies in the realm of ta moko, the traditional Māori art of tattooing. Since embarking on his ta moko journey in 1995, he has gained international acclaim, particularly with the publication of his book, Dedicated by Blood, featuring photography by Patricia Steur that showcases his unique indigenous tattoo artistry.

Gordon's artistic contributions extend beyond tattooing, with exhibitions held in various galleries throughout New Zealand and the Netherlands. He has also ventured into acting and production design, contributing to acclaimed films such as The Piano and Whale Rider. His talent was recognized at the New Zealand Film and Television Awards in 1993 when he received the Best Actor Award, and in 2004, he earned a nomination for the TV Guide New Zealand Television Award for Best Contribution to Design for his exceptional work as a production designer.