Hiwirori Hatea trained in the 1990's at Toihoukura (School of Maori visual arts, Gisborne, NZ) under the guidance of Dr Sandy Adsett, Sir Derek Lardelli and Steve Gibbs.

In 2004 Hatea went on to graduate with a Maunga Kura Toi - Bachelor of Māori arts at Toimairangi, Te Wananga o Aotearoa (School of Māori visual arts, Hastings, NZ).

Hatea has performed nationally and internationally as part of the Waihīrere Māori cultural group since 1995 and apart of a four-piece Polynesian band in Dubai from 2008- 2012, 2015- 2017. He's exhibited both nationally and internationally and worked on various commissions which include for the Archbishop of Aotearoa NZ, Ministry of Justice NZ and Te Papa Tongarewa (NZ National Museum).

July 2012 Hatea became HOD of Art and Māori performing arts at Te Aute College in rural Hawkes Bay. In 2015 Hatea returned to Dubai as band leader continuing with his music and art. He currently resides in Tauranga Moana working as a full-time artist.

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“Inspiration for my art comes from my involvement with both the Māori performing & Visual Arts. I have always had a passion for kapa haka and have been a member of the Waihīrere Māori Cultural Group for over 20 years.  My whānau and those close to me within the arts have played a major role in the development of my work and without their influences I wouldn’t be doing what I love."

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