The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) opened in 1963 in Rotorua, New Zealand due to the impending threat of the loss of traditional Māori arts. In 1926 a Māori Arts and Crafts school had been established in Rotorua by Sir Āpirana Ngata, and the new school continued the tradition in a location well-established for traditional Māori arts and crafts. The location of school at Whakarewarewa enabled easy access to the lucrative tourist market, which continues to be a substantial source of sales.

Founded in 1926 by Āpirana Ngata, then the Member of Parliament for Eastern Maori which included Rotorua, the school focused on keeping teaching traditional Māori arts and crafts. The school was located near the geyser field at Whakarewarewa outside of Rotorua, an enduring tourist draw-card.