The pathway to Mataora/Kauae is a process of seeking the support and guidance of your whānau and elders in undertaking this life changing experience. Tattooing the face can have obvious social implications, our modern world is of a capitalistic and politically biased structure, and one must be prepared for some challenging encounters from society. 

Jobs have been terminated and denied, racism and fear can make people react to your pathway in undesirable ways. So having that support system in place will mitigate a sense of aloneness, and in fact will strengthen your stance and choice to wear this noble mark with a humble pride and rooted strength.

Approach the journey in a ceremonial manner, this is a rites of passage! And should be taken on at an important time in life. Having a good kaupapa or reason will ground the journey with mana! It is your birthright as a Māori descendant, but should be taken up as a benchmark of achievement or a commemoration of an important person or event in ones life. Not because it’s trendy!

A collective of moko artists, called the Kiritai Tā Moko Collective have created a wānanga where you can find on Facebook. They have also collaborated on a Moko FAQs. This document and the knowledge it contains are the collective intellectual and cultural property of the Kiritai Tā Moko Collective and its members. The teachings, kōrero, and frameworks shared within are drawn from mātauranga Māori, lived practice, and the wānanga of our tīpuna.
>> Kiritai Tā Moko Collective Facebook Page <<
>> Moko FAQs <<

The next step is to ensure you resonate with Turumakina's mahi and energy. To better understand him as an individual and as your ringata, here's a poem he wrote on the sacred work of ta moko to give you an insight of how highly he respects the mahi and the connection he shares with the wearer.