BACKGROUND
The beginning
Moko began making handcrafts during the first COVID lockdown in 2020. His first piece was a vaka (canoe). At the start, making crafts was simply something to do while staying at home but as time continued the craft making has enabled Moko to stay connected to his culture and heritage which is very important to him. In 2021, Moko began making katouas (spear) and mini katouas, which eventually led to him sharing his crafts on his facebook page.
Since 2020, Moko has experimented with different timbers, colours, and designs to develop his own signature style. Today, nearly all of his handcrafts feature a distinctive pattern that pays tribute to his heritage. While Moko is a self taught craftsperson much of his knowledge and skill comes from his maternal grandparents, Ahotolu Lagiholo (Tuapa, Makefu) and Falile Ahotolu (Vaiea, Fatiau), who raised him.
meaning of Haihai Vaka Tufi
The meaning of Haihai Vaka Tufi is to tie up. Moko came up with the name while thinking about potential workshop ideas for a festival in 2024. In the end the workshop didn’t go ahead, but the name stuck. The idea of the workshop was to bring people, skills, and culture together through vaka making and Niuean craft.
Crafting
Every piece from Haihai Vaka Tufi is handmade from start to finish by Moko in the backyard of his home in the Hutt Valley. He works with recycled timber, mainly sourced locally. Each piece is carefully shaped, sanded, and finished by hand, with every cut and curve made with intention. Most of the handcrafts are made between June and February.
Moko regularly updates the designs and colours of his crafts, depending on what inspires him at the time.