Ngāti Porou, Irish, English

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From a young age, I was encouraged to be creative, and this has developed into a lifetime of learning. I like to make small sculptures in the form of body adornment, using mostly precious metals and natural materials such as wood, gum, shell, stone, and fiber.

I often create works with simple shapes and symbols that hopefully can take on mana by sheer minimalist strength. This, to me, is the ultimate challenge—bringing all the elements together to create a cohesive piece that can, in some way, provoke a conversation with the viewer.

My mahi is based within Māori and European roots and influenced by my love of great design, architecture, nature, and social issues. I have a Certificate in Craft Design and a partially completed Master of Design.

I have participated in numerous national and international exhibitions, notably Māori Art Meets America (2005) and Small Treasures (2008), both in San Francisco. I have also attended significant international artist hui both nationally and internationally in the Soloman Islands and Washington State, USA.

My work has also been used to publicise New Zealand artwork nationally and internationally in various media as well as included in the specialist publications – Te Kahui o Matariki: Contemporary Māori Art of Matariki (2008)and Māori Art for Kids (2014). I have also been profiled in the television arts series Kete Aronui (2010).

I continue to feel extremely honoured to be chosen for these opportunities.