Following our public artist Q&A at Puke Ariki Museum, I’m pictured alongside my commissioned portrait of my dad, titled ‘John ‘Hone’ Niwa and Coco’. Dad stands at Tuiraho Pā, at the mouth of the Waiweranui Stream within the rohe of Ngāti Moeahu, Warea. He has overseen the interests of Ngāti Moeahu lands, including Tarakihi, as chair of the hapū since 1985.
TAONGA REFLECTING OUR TŪPUNA
Taranaki Māori artists Luanna Sheridan, Nia Tipene, Meka Mauriri and I were each commissioned to create a taonga reflecting our tūpuna, in keeping with the kaupapa of the touring exhibition. During the Q&A, Luanna, Nia and I shared insights into our creative choices and the deeper meaning held within each of our works.
EMERGING ARTISTS SHINING BRIGHTLY
Also with us was Jodi Tipa – ringa toi for the tuku Open Studio. She was one of two early career emerging ringa toi Dwayne Duthie who adorned steel Manaia guardian figures in each of the corners of the exhibition under the guidance of senior artist-designer Wharehoka Smith.
MY WHĀNAU
Mum, Raewynne Niwa, was in the Gold Coast for the exhibition opening a few weeks ago, so this was her first time seeing the finished artwork I created of my pāpā, Hone John Niwa, with our beautiful 18-year-old Coco, who passed just before the exhibition.
I’m incredibly grateful that this commission and its deadline gave me the opportunity to create this portrait- celebrating Dad, his whakapapa and this chapter of his life as he approaches the big 80.
Dad is already in celebration mode, having just been on tour of South Africa with a mate for the All Blacks v Springbok and off to the NRL Grand final in Sydney next with our whole family. 
WHAKAPAPA Tania ‘Miriama’ Niwa Te Ātiawa: Puketapu; Taranaki Tūturu: Ngāti Moeahu, Ngā Mahanga ā Tairi; Ngāruahine: Titahi; Ngāti Ruanui: Ngāti Tupaea.
**Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award** Puke Ariki Museum, New Plymouth, Taranaki – on show until 1 Nov 2026. Open 7 days, free entry.
