Ariki Creative - Digital Native Solutions

05/02/2026

The team at Ariki were privileged to collaborate with the Dr Andre McLachlan and Te Rau Ora to produce some awesome resources for Te Whare o Oro.

It was one of the greatest highlights of 2025, we are very proud of this work and look forward to working on more kaupapa in the future.

He mihi ano hoki ki te tima, Tewai Fong, Hanuera Rawson, Damian Rarere, Eli Taueki, Hori Mataki, Mikael Tuhaka and Tuha Tuimaka.

16/05/2025

Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu believed in our vision and mission to support the next generation of digital natives; we've had 29 employees, grown from a garage and laptop to an office and an amazing crew, because of their dedication to whānau ora.

We've built apps, crafted films and animations, sold virtual reality goggles, and embedded mana whenua narratives from Murihiku to the far north.

We told the story of Waihiko, saved lives with Manaaki20, and worked with countless community groups and organisations that do the mahi on the ground every day.

From all of our Ariki Creative whānau, past and present, we thank you and are eternally grateful for all the support and belief in us all.

Arohanui ki a koutou katoa

13/03/2025

In late 2023, Ariki Creative was approached by Ōtautahi Christchurch , 100% Pure New Zealand, Whitiora Centre Limited and Christchurch Airport to create a gateway experience—one that welcomes international visitors and returning locals to Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Our team was briefed to design a gateway that honours the stories of the first people, encourages all to care for and protect the natural environment, and instills pride in those returning home to the Waitaha Canterbury region.

The story begins with the creation of the Ngāi Tahu world—the various atua who uphold the Tiaki promise, the braided rivers that connect the alps to the sea, and the precious taonga species and materials used to build the first society. It then transitions to the early settlers who utilised those same materials to construct Christchurch City—its cathedrals, cobbled streets, and the tapestry of agriculture and industry—leading into the modern city of today, built in partnership with mana whenua and people from all backgrounds.

The aesthetics of the artwork are influenced by various styles of toi, including rock art—one of Aunty Liz’s requests to honour all Ngāi Tahu whānui of Te Waipounamu.

Toi Māori team: Hori, Te Aotahi, Eli, Taane
Design team: Mikael, Tuha

29/01/2025

Our team collaboration with Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou, Architects 44, Art Fe'tiche Studio, Human Dynamo Workshop and Curtis Bristowe, transformed the old Gisborne Hotel into Te Tini o Porou—an iwi office and healthcare clinic. Curtis provided cultural insights, sharing stories of Ngāti Porou ancestors and their connections to Māui, Paikea, and Porourangi.

The design integrated these narratives through spatial and interior artworks, incorporating waka, ocean, land, and sky elements. Traditional Māori patterns and symbols were woven into the space, with a taurapa artwork representing balance and harmony. Window designs showcased waka and tūpuna, ensuring the iwi’s heritage remains visible and inspiring daily.

Toi by Te Aotahi, Eli, Taane and Hori

24/01/2025

Our team worked with the talented AU whānau on a few kaupapa last year, they have a dedicated crew of highly experienced people helping organisations with learning platforms, transformative change and cultural knowledge unique to Aotearoa. Massive mihi to the crew!

21/01/2025

20/01/2025

Callaghan Innovation x Ariki Creative

We were honoured to create feature artworks for Callaghan Innovation’s Te Pā Harakeke office. Symbolising growth, connection, and sustainability, this design reflects innovation and cultural heritage. Traditional mātauranga and toi Māori with a geometric twist as a reference to innovation, math and science.

From the seed, to the bush, the pā harakeke and the various resources created from the fibres, this project let the team create a variety of designs and motifs that pushed the creativity and style to something unique and meaningful for this amazing facility.

13/01/2025

I whakanuia te whakatuwheratanga o te whare hou i te Kura Tamatāne o Ōtautahi. This morning, we joined The Taumata from Ngāi Tūāhuriri for the unveiling of the new whare. A huge mihi to Heemi Gilbert, Craig Dunnet, and Alex Bowater for their incredible contributions. 🙌 He mihi ano ki a Maaka raua ko Matua Ruawhitu mo nga karakia.

The whare features stunning pou, window manifestations and pavement designs by Te Aotahi Rice-Edwards and Hori Te Ariki Mataki, symbolising kaitiakitanga of our taiao and the pursuit of excellence through the korimako who eats the berry from the kahikatea, the narrative inspired by the surrounding ngahere Pūtaringamotu.

13/01/2025

Back in September last year we officially opened our new Milton Switching Station. We’re proud of the amazing artwork that adorns the building with thanks to Ariki Creative - Digital Native Solutions. This stunning photo of the building at night was just too good not to share!

We welcome you to stop by the substation and find out more about this incredible artwork from the storyboards accessible outside the site.

Mahi tino pai ki a koutou katoa!

📸 James Munro

23/12/2024

Meri Kirihimete from our team at Ariki Creative, massive mihi to our kaimahi, our partners and all the support throughout 2024, Kia pai ō koutou hararei – have a great break with your whānau and loved ones!

18/12/2024

Ariki Motion team.

Te Wairoa has its headwaters in the Hunua ranges and flows into the Hauraki Gulf. The awa (river) is very special to mana whenua.

Modifications to the awa, including pest plants, willows, dams, farming and residential development have changed the flow of the river. The awa is flooding more often and this is having significant impacts on the surrounding rural community.
🌳🎥🎬👀🤙

Videographer - Damo
Drone Operator - Hori
Editor - Nathan, Damo
Motion Graphics and Audio - Damo

Resilience to Nature's Challenges Hori Te Ariki Mataki Damian Rarere

Check out the full video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPhL5fhm7Fk