Robyn Kahukiwa was a distinguished Māori artist, author, and illustrator whose work profoundly influenced New Zealand's art scene. Born in Sydney, Australia, she was of Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Kōnohi, and Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare descent. She relocated to New Zealand at the age of 19, where she rediscovered her Māori heritage, a journey that deeply informed her artistic expression.

Kahukiwa's art is renowned for its powerful depiction of Māori identity, cultural narratives, and social issues. She began her career in the 1960s, initially exploring urban Māori life and personal cultural reconnection. Her 1983–84 exhibition "Wāhine Toa: Women of Māori Myth" garnered national acclaim, reimagining Māori female figures and reinforcing her commitment to Māori women's rights and cultural sovereignty.

Beyond painting, Kahukiwa made significant contributions as a children's author and illustrator, producing works that combined Māori folklore with contemporary themes. Her publications include Taniwha (1986), Paikea (1993), and Ngā Atua: Māori Gods (2016), among others. She also collaborated with notable New Zealand writers, such as Patricia Grace and Joy Cowley, enriching the country's literary heritage.

Throughout her career, Kahukiwa received numerous accolades, including the Te Tohu Toi Kē Award in 2011, recognizing her significant impact on Māori art and culture. She continued to create and inspire until her passing in Wellington on 11 April 2025, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence artists and storytellers.

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📸 Manymanydogs - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151369617

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