‍

Ko Mauao te maunga

Ko Tauranga te moana

Ko Te Awanui te awa

Ko Mataatua me Takitimu ngā waka

Ko Ngāi Te Rangi me Ngāti Ranginuinga iwi

Ko Ngāti Tapu, Ngāi Tūkairangi,Ngāi Tamarāwaho, Materāwaho me Hangarau nga hapū

He hononga ki nga moutere o Tauranga Moana, Matakana, Rangiwaea hoki

Ko Faulkner, Ihaka, Ngatai, Paratanga whānau.

Ko Arohanoa Mathews ahau. 

‍

Arohanoa Mathews is a contemporary Māori artist from Matapihi, Tauranga Moana, whose work is deeply rooted in her connection to her hapū and whenua. Guided by the teachings of her kuia, Arohanoa’s art weaves together traditional and modern practices, from painting and kākahu construction to being inspired by rāranga and mixed media.

Her paintings and textile work celebrate Māori identity, exploring themes of whakapapa, tikanga, and sustainability. Arohanoa incorporates natural, found, and upcycled materials into her art, creating unique pieces that honour the taiao (environment) and traditional art forms. Her most recent textile works, reflect her dedication to passing on ancestral knowledge while innovating with contemporary forms.

Through projects like the HONO Collection, Arohanoa embraces eco-conscious practices, fostering a deeper connection to the whenua and a sustainable future. Her art embodies cultural resilience, creativity, and aroha for both her people and the environment.

‍

‍