About Us - Ko Wai Māua?

Taonga Ariki is a whānau-owned creative business led by husband and wife team Manu Rikihana (Tuhoe, Ngati Awa, Kahungunu, Te Arawa and Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau) and Cat Rikihana (Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe, Waitaha). 

 

Manu, is the lead creative, artist and wood/bone carver. Cat manages business operations and enjoys mahi raranga (weaving), mixed media painting and is a certified digital storytelling facilitator through He Koniahi.

 

Cat and Manu are both musicians and love to jam and write music. What drives their mahi, gives them confidence and purpose in their pursuits, is their faith, their whānau and their connection to whakapapa.

 

 

In October 2025, Manu and Cat will be exhibiting their available products and creative artworks as part of the Art Trail Manawatū held on 18-19 October.

During October they will be offering some workshops on carving, drawing and digital story creation. You can find out more closer to October through Square Edge advertising and facebook page.

Keep an eye out for more information on sales and workshops via the Taonga Ariki Facebook Page HERE.

 

 

In 2025, Manu and Cat committed to start the new whānau business, whilst working on other flexible projects, so they could have a greater sense of mana motuhake over their work and life. They are working towards a more purposeful future and hoping to see more of Aotearoa and spend more time with extended whānau. 

 

"Tē tōia, tē haumatia" 

Nothing can be achieved without a plan,

workforce and way of doing things.

 

If you'd like updates on Manu and Cat's journey, product updates and events, make sure you join the pānui mailing list below :)