Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a te Uruahi, Te Whānau a Ruataupare ki Tūpāroa me Whakawhitiria

Merle Walker is a Māori artist, business owner from Ngāti Porou. She is currently in her final year of her Masters at Toihoukura. Specialising in painting, graphite pencil, and ink pen, she continues to explore other mediums.

Merle’s work is driven by kaupapa Māori, focusing on Māori narratives, whakapapa and the connections between whenua, ngā tāngata, culture and cultural diversity. Her art reflects both traditional toi Māori as a visual language and contemporary expressions, exploring themes of identity, resilience and sovereignty.