I have a background in graphic design, working as a freelance designer for 25+ years. I have always been creative, painting and drawing since childhood. I have been inspired to create seasonal, cyclic art in tune with our seasons, though discussions with my tamariki.

20 years ago I attended a series of permaculture workshops and gratefully applied this knowledge to our gardens here at Paitu Ngahere and Gardens. We grow and preserve food in our gardens, saving seeds, feeding the soil naturally through home made compost and seaweed herb teas. We have planted over 200 fruit trees on our land and now able to pick seasonal fruit year round. It is a blessing to grow and work alongside nature, living from a sustainable focus point.

I had been called to learn rongoā for years, which was put on hold as I raised a young family. In 2020 kawakawa again whispered to me ‘It really is time for you learn about me!’
I finally listened and acted, and I was blessed to be able to attend a wānanga rongoā alongside a beautiful group of wāhine, through Te Waka Rākau. I thought I would be deepening learning about tikanga and karakia, but it was so much more than that. It was a coming home to deep understandings already felt. Connecting to the mauri/essence of the rākau/plant continues to be a a daily part of my life and brings much blessing and richness. I am grateful to my kaiako/teacher Joanne Hakaraia-Olsen and Luana Reiri for helping to tune more deeply to the whispers of the forest.

Continuing to heed the karanga/call, I was grateful for the opportunity to wānanga raranga amongst a local ropu of beautiful people through Te Whare Pora O Whangaroa. The journey continues, my ability  to work with kōrari/harakeke increases, as well as gratitude for kōrari’s teaching which extends beyond weaving. Thank you to our kaiako Liane Panui, Karen Smith, Robyn Tauroa, Sandra Heihei for teachings, patience and nurture as we wānanga.