Te Rito Arts (Blaine Te Rito)

Te Rito Arts is the carving practice of Blaine Te Rito, an Auckland-based carver of Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa descent, with English and Irish lineage. Blaine has been involved in Māori arts for most of his life, in both performing and visual forms, and focuses on traditional carving in pounamu, bone and wood.

Most of his work is made to commission, for private collectors as well as corporate and government organisations, both Māori and non-Māori. He also contributes to Māori community-based projects. Every carving is unique and is designed to carry the whakaaro (thoughts) and wairua (spirit) of both the carver and the person or organisation it is made for.

Commissions begin with a conversation about the purpose of the piece, who it is for, its size and materials. Blaine then shares a design and quote before carving begins. Some clients bring a family story, image or heritage they want reflected in the work, which he interprets through Māori design. When the piece is finished, he explains the meaning of the carving and its symbols, and can provide this in writing too. Finished pieces are occasionally available for sale or shown in exhibitions, but they tend to sell quickly.