DAN TIPPETT

The Hauraki Gulf holds a special place in Dan Tippett’s heart and is the inspiration behind his artwork.

“I grew up in Grey Lynn, Ponsonby and on the Coromandel,” he says. “So, the Hauraki Gulf has always been our food basket. I love it and I’m also concerned about it.”

His artwork, Priceless, featuring a large fish passed from one hand to another, is symbolic of the abundance of kaimoana in the Gulf; and the need for us, its stewards, to continue nourishing the source that offers us sustenance.

“Kaitiakitanga is important, not just for me but for our generations to come. Right now, we have an opportunity to be local in our thinking and take a step back and stop focusing so much on capitalistic structures and money.”

Tippett, who is a father of four, is often on the move. His studio spaces range from working out of his brother’s workshop to the kitchen table, to painting murals on location. In fact, Tippett’s first mural was done when he was only 12 years old.

“I painted a mural of Buck Shelford for the Coromandel Rugby Club,” he says. “I have to admit, I was a bit useless at rugby and was left right out but my coach, who was also my mentor and adviser, really looked out for me.

“That was the moment I knew I was going to be an artist, ” he laughs. “When I knew that I wasn’t going to be an All Black!”

For Tippett, art is integral to our survival and he is optimistic about the future.

“I feel we have an opportunity to practise kotahitanga and see the world differently, ” he says. “Social change needs to be accompanied by a different way of thinking and right now the choices we make can create unexpectedly positive effects — and I’m hoping we do!”