Meet Your Artist
Identity, Healing, Storytelling
Madia Purvis Manihera is a renowned painter and tā moko artist whose work speaks deeply to identity, healing, and storytelling.
Working out of Brother Tip Tattoo & Art, Madia brings a unique fusion of cultural tradition and expressive colour to every canvas and skin she touches.
Known for her ability to capture wairua through vibrant forms, she uses tā moko and contemporary colour-work as a way to help others reconnect with their journey and whakapapa.
Her artwork has featured in numerous exhibitions across Aotearoa, and she has completed hundreds of commissioned pieces, both on canvas and skin.
Each piece is created with intention - honouring the story of the wearer or collector, and weaving visual narratives that heal, empower, and inspire. Through her mahi, Madia continues to uplift others.
About
Tā Moko
Tā Moko is the traditional and sacred art of Māori tattooing.
It is much more than body art: it is a visual expression of identity, whakapapa (genealogy), culture, achievements, and the unique story of the wearer.
Tā Moko reflects a person's connection to their whānau, hapū, iwi, ancestors, and life journey. Every line, pattern, and placement carries meaning, making each piece deeply personal and culturally significant.
At Brother Tip Tattoo & Art, our Tā Moko is created by experienced Māori Tā Moko artists who approach every piece with the respect, tikanga (customs), and cultural knowledge that this sacred art form deserves.
The process begins with a kōrero (conversation), where we take the time to learn about you, your whakapapa, and the story you wish to carry.
Tā Moko is for people of Māori descent who wish to express and honour their whakapapa, identity, and connection to their culture through this sacred practice.
If you are not of Māori descent but are drawn to Māori-inspired style artwork, Kirituhi may be the more appropriate option.
Kirituhi allows you to tell your own story using Māori-inspired design while respecting the cultural significance of Tā Moko.
If you are unsure whether Kirituhi or Tā Moko is the right option for you, our team is happy to guide you through the differences and help you choose the path that best honours your story.
About
Kirituhi
Kirituhi is a contemporary Māori-inspired art form that incorporates traditional Māori design elements without representing a person's whakapapa, genealogy, iwi, hapū or specific cultural identity.
Unlike Tā Moko, which is a sacred cultural practice created for Māori and tells the unique story of a person's ancestry, identity and life journey, Kirituhi is designed for anyone who appreciates Māori art and wishes to wear it respectfully.
Every Kirituhi piece is custom designed. While it may include traditional patterns and motifs, the design focuses on your personal story, values, achievements, passions, or important milestones rather than whakapapa.
At Brother Tip Tattoo & Art, we approach every Kirituhi design with respect for te ao Māori and the cultural significance behind these art forms. We take the time to understand your story and create a meaningful piece that honours both you and the traditions that inspire the artwork.
Kirituhi may be the right choice for you if you:
• Are not of Māori descent but admire Māori art and culture.
• Want a meaningful design that reflects your personal journey.
• Wish to wear Māori-inspired artwork respectfully.
• Are looking for a unique, custom tattoo with deep personal significance.
If you are unsure whether Kirituhi or Tā Moko is the right option for you, our team is happy to guide you through the differences and help you choose the path that best honours your story.