Te Ata is a regional perspective on contemporary Maori art by a new generation of Maori art critics. Its focus is on the vibrant range of arts that have arisen out of the creative traditions of Te Tairawhiti -- the East Coast-Poverty Bay region. Six writers -- Witi Ihimaera, Katerina Te Hei Koko Mataira, Ngarino Ellis, Ngapine Te Ao, Chris Bryant and Paerau Corneal -- discuss the major art movements in East Coast history, such as carving traditions, painted houses and weaving. With the many colour reproductions of contemporary art forms, the book explores the development of these East Coast traditions in the modern context, through the work of leading artists such as Cliff Whiting, Robyn Kahukiwa and Bob Jahnke, as well as the new wave of young artists like Michael Parekowhai, Dion Hitchens and Natalie Robertson. Essays also consider the ground-breaking Gisborne art school, Toihoukura, and the politics of museum art collections. Four years in the writing and production, Te Ata is a bold statement about Maori creativity by Maori, one that is much awaited by both a general readership and an educational audience.