Health & Well-being for Families by Marama Ngawhika

Marama Ngawhika: Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Awa, Te Arawa, Ngapuhi.

Marama grew up in Edgecumbe, Kawerau and Pukehina three small towns in the Bay of Plenty New Zealand. Her mother is of Ngati Kahungunu and Ngati Awa descent while her father affiliates to Te Arawa and Nga Puhi. Marama grew up in a large family and has two children of her own.

Nga Paharakeke Te Kohanga Reo is a predominant feature in Marama’s life. She enjoys working with and including the Kohanga Reo tamariki (children) and Whanau (families) in her exhibitions so that they can exhibit their artwork, and more importantly, share their culture with the wider community.

Marama enjoys creating fibre art as well as painting with acrylics on canvas/board. The artwork showcases Maori symbolism and motifs. They are a visual story telling tool and allows the viewer to engage with her Maori language and culture.