Frequently Asked Questions

  • (Q) Do you offer cultural attire other than Samoan?

    (A) We can incorporate other Pasifika attire that our clients wish to bring for their cultural photoshoot session. However, at the moment we only offer Samoan laei. We are working towards expanding our range of cultural attire. This will be in collaboration with cultural experts from our other Pasifika communities in order for us to provide an authentic and culturally sensitive service.

    (Q) Can I incorporate family heirlooms into my photoshoot?

    (A) Absolutely! We welcome you to incorporate any family heirlooms for your cultural portraits. Please advise our team if you wish to do so before your scheduled photoshoot.

    (Q) Can my child wear a Tuiga?

    (A) Yes, absolutely! Our Tuiga pulou range will have one that will be suitable for your child.

    (Q) What is the difference between a Tuiga Fau and a Tuiga Pulou?

    (A) The Tuiga Fau consists of five sections that need to be carefully assembled by someone with experience. In contrast, the Tuiga Pulou offers a more modern and convenient alternative. In this version, all the components that would typically be separate have been attached to a hat-like structure for easy slip-on and slip-off convenience.

    (Q) Can I stay dressed in my cultural attire for the duration of my event?

    (A) We encourage you to take pictures with family and friends, this is part of the experience. Depending on the environment, if team Ata Mai Creative believes our measina may be at risk of damage, as per our Attire hiring policy we will ask for our la’ei to be removed in order to preserve its longevity, while also allowing you to continue enjoying your event to the fullest.

    (Q) If I am not Samoan, can I wear a Tuiga and/or traditional Samoan attire?

    (A) This is a great question that we often get for bookings. We encourage all our clients to learn about the measina we have the privilege and responsibility of preserving and providing for the generations to come.

    Here at Ata Mai Creative we welcome non-Samoan family members to embrace our traditional attire and strongly encourage a genuine understanding of what and why we wear the Tuiga and laei.

    Historically there are a plethora of origin stories for our measina and traditionally the Taupou and Manaia teuga was worn by those of status in Samoa. Today, we wear our traditional garments in honour and celebration of our beautiful culture and therefore invite all members of the family to do so with pride.

    (Q) Do you make custom Tuiga I can keep?

    (A) Yes, we do! All Custom Tuiga fau or Tuiga Pulou are not made from stock on hand, therefore it is not an immediate service we can offer, although we may be able to make one on short notice. Urgent demand will incur a fee. To order now or for more information, you may contact our team via email at atamaicreative@gmail.com

  • (Q) Do you do family portraits without cultural attire?

    (A) Yes. You are welcome to have photos taken before getting changed into your cultural attire. You may also book us for portraits without cultural attire.

    (Q) Can my family/spectators come to watch my photoshoot?

    (A) Yes! We encourage a hype crew! A maximum of 2 spectators per session is asked to prevent overcrowding, so our fullest attention may be given to you and your photoshoot at all times.

    (Q) Can we bring food and drinks to our photoshoots?

    (A) You can definitely bring snacks for the shoot but please note: our team takes pride in our measina, so we ask that NO food or drinks are to be consumed while dressed in cultural attire in the case of staining or damaging any. Any damages to our measina will incur repair fees.

    (Q) How do I receive my photos?

    (A) We send your photos as a digital album via a link.

    (Q) Do you print photos?

    (A) Currently, this is not a service that we offer

    See our Photography Policy for more info.

  • (Q) How long does it take to be dressed in cultural attire for a performance at an event?

    (A) It can take up from 20+ minutes to change into your attire with a Tuiga Pulou or 40+ minutes with a Tuiga fau for an event.

    (Q) Can I stay dressed in my cultural attire for the duration of my event?

    (A) We encourage you to take pictures with family and friends, this is part of the experience. Depending on the environment, if team Ata Mai Creative believes our laei may be at risk of damage, as per our Attire hiring policy we will ask for our la’ei to be removed in order to preserve its longevity, while also allowing you to continue enjoying your event to the fullest.

  • (Q) How do I go on a payment plan?

    (A) Here at Ata Mai Creative, our heart is to make our measina accessible for our people. Therefore payment plans are a payment option we offer.

    Currently, bookings at the value of $500+ are eligible for payment plan (maximum of 4 payment instalments with intervals no longer than 2 weeks).

    If your booking is less than $500 and you need time to pay for our service, please do not hesitate to make your enquiry. Our only request in offering this as an option is for all our clients to honour their payment agreements as we are still a small business.

    All payments on a plan (or not) must be finalised 7 days prior to scheduled event or photoshoot or Ata Mai Creative will consider cancelling the booking.

    (Q) If I need to cancel my booking, can I get a refund?

    (A) All payments made to Ata Mai Creative are non-refundable. In the event your booking is cancelled in advance and full payment has been made, we will happily consider to reschedule.

    *Please refer to our Attire Hire Policy and Photography Policy for more info regarding pricing and payments.

  • (Q) Do you travel outside of Christchurch?

    (A) Yes, we do! We currently have our NZ tour dates available for booking. For international clients or if your event is outside of those dates and cities, our travel fees can be found in our Attire Policy otherwise you can make an enquiry to atamaicreatice@gmail.com.