Finalist Talk: Honourable Mention Waiāio Ngā Mōrehu Elkingto

Join Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award Finalist Waiāio Ngā Mōrehu Elkington at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery to hear their kōrero on the mahi behind their selected work, Huirohutu Meha Elkington (2021).

Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award Honourable Mention Finalist Waiāio Ngā Mōrehu Elkington is currently in their second year of a bachelors of fine arts at Massey in Wellington, with much of their inspiration stemming from their engagement with te ao Māori and the agents of change it produces.

“This portrait is of my kuia Huirohutu Meha Elkington. My love for my nan knows no bounds. Huia has resided on, and actively contributed to Whakatū marae since before te kore. I’ve lived with nan, and helped look after her for 4 out of the past 7 years. When I left to study te reo Māori her dementia advanced aggressively. I cherish our time together. E kore e tino meto te Huia ina kei konei koe e kui.” -Waiāio Ngā Mōrehu Elkington.

Ask any questions and get to know the artist and their tupuna.

Waiāio Ngā Mōrehu Elkington, 'Huirohutu Meha Elkington', 2021.