Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Tainui, Ngāti Ueoneone, Ngai Taharora, Ngāti Rakairoa, Ngāti Hikairo

Artist Bio:

A descendant of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou and Tainui, Makareta is an artist, weaver, Māori arts designer and facilitator for ĀKAU. She specialises in both customary and contemporary Māori Art. Moving back to the heart of Ngāpuhi with her family ignited her passion in weaving leading to the production of two Māori sails for the Te Rā (The Māori Sail) project, a pūkenga role for Te Tira Ranga within Toi Ngāpuhi and a kakahu designer and weaver.

Makareta’s work in ĀKAU weaves into schools and community projects across scales, from large masterplans, to marae, public events, interior spaces, architecture and mahi toi. She is most passionate about activating spaces where people can creatively communicate their own kōrero, their stories, their place, their unique history and teaching people how to communicate messages as our ancestors did through Toi Māori.

Artist Statement:

Title: Whatu-a-nuku, Whatu-a-rangi

Gazing through the night sky my eyes wonder through the myriads of sparkling gems.

Triggering memories of loved ones that have since passed.

My eyes continue to weave through the expanse landing on Puanga and Matariki

I am here! I am here! Weaving the land to the sky!

I am not alone. I see the stars are looking at me!