As part of Techweek26, join an in-depth talk with creative duo and co-founders of Katal Creative Studio Katrina Iosia Sipeli and Allen Vili, marking the one-year anniversary of the inaugural Pasifika jersey created for the Cronulla Sharks in the National Rugby League.

https://www.sharks.com.au/news/2025/05/28/sharks-unveil-inaugural-pasifika-jersey/

This session explores cultural awareness in design, focusing on the responsibility of working with Indigenous and Pasifika narratives in contemporary and corporate contexts. Through discussion, the artists will share insights into ethical processes, cultural integrity, and consultation—highlighting how design can honour identity, protect knowledge, and create meaningful, respectful representation.

Katrina Iosia Sipeli - Tagata Niue – Liku / Mutalau

Is a multi award-winning Niue artist and a prominent figure in augmented and extended realities. Her multidisciplinary practice bridges material culture, sculpture, and creative technologies, exploring how digital environments can preserve, activate, and evolve Indigenous knowledge systems.

Iosia’s work investigates Niue's coral landscapes, material memory, identity, and culture through immersive and interactive experiences. She has led significant digital initiatives, with AR activations with exhibitions internationally and across Aotearoa. She has been recognised as an ambassador for Spectacles AR powered glasses and an official creator within the Snapchat Lens Network programme 2020. Her practice reflects a broader philosophical lineage of digital innovation — a material culture of adaptability — positioning technology as both tool and taonga.

https://katrinaiosia.com/

Allen Vili/Onesian - Māori / Samoan – Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Saleimoa Samoa

A multidisciplinary digital artist and creative technologist with over 25 years of experience across digital design and immersive media. His practice bridges Indigenous storytelling with creative technologies, exploring digital environments and real-time experience.

He is known for his earlier works of beautiful portraits depicting the stars of Matariki. A pioneering artist working in virtual reality activations exhibited internationally. Allen creates immersive spaces that reimagine cultural narratives. He continues to challenge and push the boundaries of digital space where he expands on the endless possibilities that narrates his stories. Allen further employs the re-imagined 3D landscapes sculpted into digital spaces, exploring real time experiences that provoke enriching conversations.

Hosted at Māngere Arts Centre

mangereartscentre@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

09 262 5789

Supported by

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