Ngāti Maniapoto, Raukawa, Ngāti Whawhakia, Ngāti Pikiao

Christina’s professional career spanned over thirty years, firstly as the first Maori Weaver / Lecturer appointed in any tertiary and university institution in 1986. Christina served her time at Waiariki Community College (known as Toi Ohomai today), Rotorua, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, Whakatane and Toi Houkura, Gisborne.

Christina is a contemporary artist, acclaimed in Aotearoa NZ and Internationally for her weaving which incorporates a mixture of customary and new practices.

Weaving has been Christina’s life, and in the last fifty-five years has shared her art experiences both Nationally and Internationally and continues to advocate innovative pathways for Maori weavers through these long-standing networks. Christina has continued to establish relationships as a practitioner with weavers, a unique partnership which has drawn much interest by sharing inter-generational expertise.

Christina has spearheaded many projects eg; Tangatarua Marae at Toi Ohomai, United Nations Tukutuku Installation New York: Hotunui Marae Tukutuku Conservation Project Auckland Museum: Whariki Project – Turungawaewae Marae: Tukutuku project -Holy Church of Sepulchre, Auckland.

Christina is a member of Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa, national weavers organisation under the auspices of Toi Maori Aotearoa, serving as a committee member for twelve years, six as the organisations Chairperson. Foundation member of Te Roopu Raranga ki Rotorua and Te Roopu Kotuku Rerenga Rangi. Life member of the Maori Womens Welfare League, and the recipient of Te Waka Toi Awards 2022: Nga Tohu ā Tā Kingi Ihaka Award: Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum

Christina currently resides in Rotoiti with her whanau and is continually inspired by her surroundings ki waenganui a Ngati Pikiao.