Visual artists

Parihaka, Ngāti Moeahu, Ngāti Haupoto, Taranaki iwi

Ngaahina Hohaia comes from a strong background in traditional weaving and fibre work.  Hohaia's work has developed into contemporary sculpture using metals, woollen blankets and other sculptural forms. Her politically charged mixed-media installation works explore a discourse of colonisation and cultural collision in Aotearoa New Zealand with a firm assertion of mana tangata whenua.

Ngaahina’s work launched the City Gallery Wellington's new Roderick and Gillian Deane Gallery for Māori and Pacific Art in 2009. The exhibition included over five hundred, intricately constructed natural-fibre, poi, within a multi-media installation of sound and image. The work reflected on the pain and sorrow endured by the people of Parihaka during interactions with 19th century colonial forces. In particular, it honoured Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi's vision to build a relationship between Māori and Pākehā based on respect and peace.

Ngaahina received an Arts Foundation of New Zealand New Generation Award in 2010. Her work has been exhibited throughout New Zealand and overseas. She lives in Taranaki and is completing a Masters in Māori Visual Arts through Massey University.

For more information visit the Arts Foundation website.