James Atutahi

Born and raised in Maketū, James is of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, and Te Arawa (Ngāti Mākino) descent. Deeply connected to the ocean since learning to surf at age 12, his art is shaped by both his coastal upbringing and ancestral heritage.

James began carving in 1991, initially creating traditional Māori art and surf-inspired pieces. Over time, his work has evolved into a unique fusion of cultural symbolism and oceanic form. A full-time carver since 2004, James exhibits widely, is represented in galleries across Aotearoa, and has works held in international private collections.