2020 Influential Businesswoman Awards

26 Acquisition International - 2020 Worldwide Finance Awards Operating as a boutique, creative consultancy based in rural Tolaga Bay, New Zealand, KE Design takes pride in its fifteen years of work specialising in M ā ori design. Established by artist and graphic designer Kaaterina Kerekere and her husband, Tai, KE Design boasts commitment to the kaupapa (or work and practice) of their clients, artistic integrity and excellence, expertise in creative design, branding and printing, as well as an extensive network of M ā ori and indigenous artists and designers. Kaaterina is primarily a digital artist, working in graphic design, however, regularly shifts between media such as painting and fine metal adornment disciplines to challenge herself, and reinforce concepts which are central to KE Design; transition, innovation and interpretation of traditional knowledge and learning. Coming from a long line of creators and artisans of M ā ori heritage, Kaaterina has always felt her true calling was in art. After completing her education at art and design school, Kaaterina pursued her passion as an event coordinator for a M ā ori Arts Development organisation, Toi M ā ori Aotearoa, in Wellington. The skills in art administration, the experience of projects and the relationships she established became the foundations for KE Design, which was a celebration not only of artistic design, but in M ā ori histories, stories and Kaaterina and Tai’s own genealogies. Frequently, she collaborates with Tai, also a designer and artist who specialises in traditional carving as well as contemporary sculpture and design. Together, they have worked on many design and curatorial projects, encouraging the flourishing of art and creativity in their communities. As a mother of four, Kaaterina is passionate about the use of art and creativity as a compass for navigating the diverse pathways through life. KE Design therefore invests a great deal in the cultivation and support of children and youth, as well as emerging and established artists as they pursue and expand their artistic horizons. Alongside mentoring ventures that are designed to activate creativity, share knowledge and inspire artists of every age and background, Kaaterina engages in at least one voluntary project a month. Whether it be project management, graphic design work, a community project or an international initiative, KE Design commits time and resources to helping creatives flourish, especially those who do not have access to the resources that are crucial to successful business growth. Situated in Ū awa, Tolaga Bay, New Zealand Kaaterina Kerekere and her husband Tai are a creative art and design consultancy that specialises in M ā ori design. Having worked hard for her place at the table as a wahine M ā ori (or M ā ori woman) throughout her career, Kaaterina knows what it takes to be seen in an industry as competitive as graphic design and art, and is so excited to see that every day, more and more women are joining her. We spoke to Kaaterina to find out about the success of her business, KE Design. Most Empowering Cultural Visual Artist (New Zealand): Kaaterina Kerekere & Award for Excellence in Graphic Art - New Zealand O However, this is not to suggest that Kaaterina was able to wander easily into a position in which she could help others. Throughout her sixteen years as a designer, she has found the industry to be male-dominated and has fought hard to be seen for more than her gender or race. Gaining her masters, learning from mentors and continuing to show up to make her voice heard has enabled her to shed the light on other women in her position, and now she is witnessing more w ā hine M ā ori (M ā ori women) graphic designers join her at the mainstream corporate or design table. It is through resilience, courage, excellence and leadership that women have earned their place at the top, and as an indigenous woman, Kaaterina is honoured that her wh ā nau (family), hap ū (sub-tribe) and iwi (tribe), stand beside her to strengthen her work, her dreams and her pathways. Today, as her dreams and visions explode into reality and she looks forward to further pushing her own boundaries into excellence and expanding her supportive network, she says to the women following the same laborious path as her; “Continuously push your creativity! Look to expand and extend. Build your knowledge. Grow your skills and expertise. Dream! Explore! Reimagine! But in that, don’t lose yourself. We can still be graceful, gentle, show empathy while taking on bold and courageous challenges. Stay connected to your truth. Stand in your power.” Kaaterina’s tribal affiliations are: Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ng ā i T ā manuhiri, Ng ā ti Kahungunu, Rangit ā ne, Ng ā i Tahu. Contact: Kaaterina Kerekere Company: KE Design Web Address: www.kedesign.co.nz