Quinton Bidois

At Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Quinton Bidois (Ngai Te Rangi, Ngāti Tapu and Ngati- Ranginui Pirirakau) teaches Visual Arts - one of the three majors offered as part of our Bachelor of Creative Industries degree. 

Born and raised in Tauranga Moana, Quinton is a highly-respected figure in the local arts community, and is deeply connected to our local whenua. He currently serves as Chairman of Waikari Marae of Ngāti Tapu, and collaborates with several public organisations to incorporate Māori-led design into major infrastructure and commercial projects across the city. 

At Toi Ohomai, Quinton says his teaching philosophy reflects the importance of wānanga (information sharing and collective learning). He believes every student brings valuable knowledge and unique strengths to the classroom, and through collaboration everyone can learn new skills and broaden their perspectives – increasing engagement and delivering greater learner outcomes. 

Quinton says our institute’s Bachelor of Creative Industries graduates go on to pursue a diverse range of vocations, from graphic design and art curation to entrepreneurship, including tattoo-studio ownership. All careers which he says are equally creative at their core.   

Outside of Toi Ohomai, Quinton is an established mātaranga Māori advisor. Currently he is working with Tauranga City Council on Te Manawataki o Te Papa - Civic Precinct project, the council’s future mass-timber office block at 90 Devonport Road, and the city’s upcoming community hub and library. Que is also advising the New Zealand Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi on incorporating Māori design elements into the Takitimu Northlink Stage One project which is set to open in 2028. In these collaborative roles, Quinton ensures that visual design elements – from artwork and sculptures to the architecture itself – accurately reflects whakapapa (Māori heritage), the land and its narratives from Tauranga Moana.  

Quinton joined Toi Ohomai in 2016, and holds a Bachelor of Teaching from the University of Waikato and a Masters in Creative Professional Practice. He is also a tā moko (Māori tattoo) practitioner, with more than 25 years of experience. 

Quinton says he is passionate about nurturing Māori art, both traditional and contemporary, and is and is committed to ensuring Māori art practices continue to be front and centre within Aotearoa New Zealand’s tertiary education spaces.