Recent Works
Māori ki te ao
This series is close to my heart and explores 6 aspects or events of Māori culture: the koru, mana, hei matau, mauri, parihaka and hei tiki.
This series is inspired by the song "Māori ki te ao" by Stan Walker and means "Māori to the world". This song celebrates stepping into the light, spreading cultural pride, and asserting Māori identity.
This series is inspired by the song "Māori ki te ao" by Stan Walker and means "Māori to the world". This song celebrates stepping into the light, spreading cultural pride, and asserting Māori identity.
The koru, which translates to "loop" or "coil," is inspired by the unfurling frond of New Zealand's native silver fern.
The koru is one of the most widely recognised symbols in Māori art; it represents new life, growth, renewal, and the continuous journey of learning and transformation. Just as the fern slowly opens and reveals itself, the koru reflects personal development and the idea that growth happens over time.
The spiral shape also symbolises harmony, balance, and interconnectedness. It reminds us that life is not a straight path but one of cycles, where endings become beginnings and each experience contributes to who we become.
In Māori culture, the koru is often associated with whānau (family), nurturing relationships, and the bonds that connect generations.
Change is a beautiful, natural and necessary part of life and the koru represents this.
The koru is one of the most widely recognised symbols in Māori art; it represents new life, growth, renewal, and the continuous journey of learning and transformation. Just as the fern slowly opens and reveals itself, the koru reflects personal development and the idea that growth happens over time.
The spiral shape also symbolises harmony, balance, and interconnectedness. It reminds us that life is not a straight path but one of cycles, where endings become beginnings and each experience contributes to who we become.
In Māori culture, the koru is often associated with whānau (family), nurturing relationships, and the bonds that connect generations.
Change is a beautiful, natural and necessary part of life and the koru represents this.
Koru (Fern)
Original Piece. Gallery Canvas.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Mana (Power)
Original Piece. Gallery Canvas.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Mana is one of the most important concepts in te ao Māori (the Māori world view). While often translated as "power," "authority," or "prestige," mana carries a much deeper meaning. It refers to the spiritual force, dignity, influence, and respect that a person, place, or object possesses.
Mana can be inherited through whakapapa (genealogy) which links individuals to their ancestors and descendants. However, mana is also strengthened through actions. Qualities such as generosity, courage, wisdom, integrity, and leadership can enhance a person's mana, while actions that harm others may diminish it.
Mana is closely connected to relationships and responsibilities. A person with mana uplifts those around them and acts in ways that benefit their community.
Mana can also exist within landscapes, sacred places, treasured objects, and cultural traditions. At the core of the concept of mana, it reflects the idea that true strength comes not only from what we inherit but from how we choose to live and contribute to the wellbeing of others.
Mana can be inherited through whakapapa (genealogy) which links individuals to their ancestors and descendants. However, mana is also strengthened through actions. Qualities such as generosity, courage, wisdom, integrity, and leadership can enhance a person's mana, while actions that harm others may diminish it.
Mana is closely connected to relationships and responsibilities. A person with mana uplifts those around them and acts in ways that benefit their community.
Mana can also exist within landscapes, sacred places, treasured objects, and cultural traditions. At the core of the concept of mana, it reflects the idea that true strength comes not only from what we inherit but from how we choose to live and contribute to the wellbeing of others.
Hei matau means "fish hook," and is a traditional Māori symbol representing strength, abundance, prosperity, and safe travel, particularly across water. The fish hook reflects the deep relationship Māori have with the ocean and waterways, which have provided food, transport, and connection for generations.
In Māori tradition, the hei matau is associated with Tangaroa, the atua (guardian or deity) of the sea. It symbolises respect for the ocean and the responsibility to care for its resources. The shape of the hook also represents determination and resilience, reflecting the skill and patience required to fish successfully.
For many people, the hei matau serves as a symbol of guidance and protection, particularly during life's journeys. It can represent a connection to ancestors who travelled vast distances across the Pacific Ocean, navigating by the stars and currents.
As both a practical tool and a cultural symbol, the hei matau embodies the relationship between people, the sea, and the sustenance that supports life.
In Māori tradition, the hei matau is associated with Tangaroa, the atua (guardian or deity) of the sea. It symbolises respect for the ocean and the responsibility to care for its resources. The shape of the hook also represents determination and resilience, reflecting the skill and patience required to fish successfully.
For many people, the hei matau serves as a symbol of guidance and protection, particularly during life's journeys. It can represent a connection to ancestors who travelled vast distances across the Pacific Ocean, navigating by the stars and currents.
As both a practical tool and a cultural symbol, the hei matau embodies the relationship between people, the sea, and the sustenance that supports life.
Hei Matau (Fish hook)
Original Piece. Gallery Canvas.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Mauri (Life Force)
Original Piece. Gallery Canvas.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Mauri is often translated as "life force," "life essence," or "vital energy." In Māori understanding, every living thing possesses mauri, including people, animals, plants, rivers, mountains, forests, and oceans. Mauri is what gives something its unique existence and vitality.
The concept recognises that all things are connected. The wellbeing of people is linked to the wellbeing of the natural world, and when one is harmed, the effects can be felt throughout the wider environment. For example, a polluted river may be described as having weakened mauri, while a healthy, thriving ecosystem is seen as having strong mauri.
Mauri is central to Māori approaches to environmental stewardship and care. Protecting the mauri of the land, water, and communities helps maintain balance and wellbeing for future generations.
More than simply being alive, mauri speaks to the quality of life and the energy that flows through all living systems. Everything is connected and caring for one another and the environment sustains the life force shared by all.
The concept recognises that all things are connected. The wellbeing of people is linked to the wellbeing of the natural world, and when one is harmed, the effects can be felt throughout the wider environment. For example, a polluted river may be described as having weakened mauri, while a healthy, thriving ecosystem is seen as having strong mauri.
Mauri is central to Māori approaches to environmental stewardship and care. Protecting the mauri of the land, water, and communities helps maintain balance and wellbeing for future generations.
More than simply being alive, mauri speaks to the quality of life and the energy that flows through all living systems. Everything is connected and caring for one another and the environment sustains the life force shared by all.
Parihaka explores the pacifist settlement that was in Taranaki during the 1800's. It has become one of the most important symbols of peaceful resistance in Aotearoa New Zealand's history.
The community is closely associated with the leadership of Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi, who advocated for non-violent action in response to the confiscation of Māori land during the nineteenth century.
Rather than responding with violence, the people of Parihaka resisted through peaceful acts such as ploughing confiscated land and removing survey pegs. These actions challenged colonial authorities while remaining grounded in principles of peace, justice, and dignity. Despite military invasion, arrests, and imprisonment, the community remained committed to its values.
A key symbol connected to Parihaka is Te Raukura (the white feather), representing spiritual, physical, and communal harmony. It is linked to accounts of an albatross leaving a feather at Parihaka, later associated with the teachings of Te Whiti and Tohu as a symbol of unity and peaceful resistance.
Parihaka is also deeply personal to me. My great-great-great-great-grandmother was born there. Through her, Parihaka is a part of my family story.
Parihaka's legacy continues to speak to resilience, dignity, and the determination to stand firm in values while choosing peace.
The community is closely associated with the leadership of Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi, who advocated for non-violent action in response to the confiscation of Māori land during the nineteenth century.
Rather than responding with violence, the people of Parihaka resisted through peaceful acts such as ploughing confiscated land and removing survey pegs. These actions challenged colonial authorities while remaining grounded in principles of peace, justice, and dignity. Despite military invasion, arrests, and imprisonment, the community remained committed to its values.
A key symbol connected to Parihaka is Te Raukura (the white feather), representing spiritual, physical, and communal harmony. It is linked to accounts of an albatross leaving a feather at Parihaka, later associated with the teachings of Te Whiti and Tohu as a symbol of unity and peaceful resistance.
Parihaka is also deeply personal to me. My great-great-great-great-grandmother was born there. Through her, Parihaka is a part of my family story.
Parihaka's legacy continues to speak to resilience, dignity, and the determination to stand firm in values while choosing peace.
Parihaka
Original Piece. Gallery Canvas.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Hei Tiki
Original Piece. Gallery Canvas.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
Dimensions: 10x10 inches
Medium: Alcohol Ink, Acrylic.
The hei tiki is one of the most treasured and recognisable forms of Māori taonga (treasured possession). The word hei refers to something worn around the neck, while tiki is associated with the first human in Māori traditions and stories of creation.
A hei tiki is much more than an ornament. It symbolises whakapapa (genealogy), ancestry, protection, fertility, wisdom, and the enduring presence of ancestors.
The tiki is traditionally carved from pounamu (greenstone or jade) and many hei tiki are passed down through generations; carrying the stories, memories, and mana of those who wore them before. You also cannot buy a hei tiki for yourself.
Because they are often inherited, hei tiki create a link between the past and present. They remind wearers that they are part of a much larger story extending across generations. In this way, the hei tiki serves as both a guardian and a symbol of belonging.
Today, many people wear hei tiki to honour their ancestors, celebrate cultural identity, and carry a sense of connection wherever they go.
A hei tiki is much more than an ornament. It symbolises whakapapa (genealogy), ancestry, protection, fertility, wisdom, and the enduring presence of ancestors.
The tiki is traditionally carved from pounamu (greenstone or jade) and many hei tiki are passed down through generations; carrying the stories, memories, and mana of those who wore them before. You also cannot buy a hei tiki for yourself.
Because they are often inherited, hei tiki create a link between the past and present. They remind wearers that they are part of a much larger story extending across generations. In this way, the hei tiki serves as both a guardian and a symbol of belonging.
Today, many people wear hei tiki to honour their ancestors, celebrate cultural identity, and carry a sense of connection wherever they go.
The Maori ki te ao series, and the prints, are available in my shop.
You will also receive each explanation with your purchase.
You will also receive each explanation with your purchase.
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