Skip Content
The Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award

At Te Wānanga o Aotearoa we’re lucky to have a talented bunch of kaimahi who dedicate themselves to their mahi, each and every day. United by our mission tauira success, we love hearing of the endeavours of our tauira, who after graduating, go on to achieve greatness.

We are extremely proud to announce that several of our tauira and kaimahi were finalists in this year’s prestigious Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Awards.

The Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award encourages emerging Māori artists to create portraits of their tūpuna (ancestors) in any medium. Launched in 2020 and held every two years, it is hosted and administered by the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata in honour of Kiingi Tuheitia.

From a pool of 128 entries, 50 finalists were selected and narrowed to winner, Stevei Houkāmau for her piece, Kia Whakatōmuri te haere whakamua.

Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award
Tia Barrett (middle) with NZPG director Jaenine Parkinson and judge Lisa Reihana.

The judging panel was made up of Steve Gibbs, Lisa Reihana, and Graham Hoete (Mr G), who is a recent graduate of Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairanga.

Three tauira of our Te Wānanga o Aotearoa toi programmes were finalists.

Rangimoana Morgan, graduate of our Maunga Kura Toi (Bachelor of Māori Art) in Huntly, entered her oils piece, Rangi.

Jody Tupara, Toi Paematua (Diploma in Māori & Indigenous Art) graduate in Gisborne, entered her oil on canvas piece, Ngā haututu o te kāuta.

Michelle Estall, currently enrolled in Kāwai Raupapa (Certificate in Māori & Indigenous Art) in Tauranga, was Highly Commended for her acrylic on stretched canvas, When it’s time to come home...

Two of our kaimahi were also finalists, and both Highly Commended for their pieces.

Heramaahina Eketone is a toi kaiako in Dunedin. Her acrylic on MDF, Ngaa Houhanga Rongo, tells stories of forgiveness and making peace throughout five generations, based on her grandfather's tūpuna.

Tia Barrett, Programme Advisor based in Hamilton entered a piece named A Time Capsule of Aroha.

The photograph is of her nan, Ruby, at her home where the walls are covered with memories including photos of new mokopuna or interesting newspaper clippings.

All 50 finalist pieces are on exhibit until 20 August at New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata in Wellington or online.

Jody Tupara, Toi Paematua (Diploma in Māori & Indigenous Art)
Jody Tupara
Tia Barrett
Tia Barrett
Michelle Estall
Michelle Estall 
Heramaahina Eketone
Heramaahina Eketone
Rangimoana Morgan, graduate of our Maunga Kura Toi (Bachelor of Māori Art)  
Rangimoana Morgan

 Back to news & events

Published On: 26 June 2023

Article By: Gemma Bradly-Jacka



Other Articles

  • 9 July 2025

    Victoria's Journey: Embracing te reo Māori in healthcare

    Nurse Victoria Richmond shares how learning te reo Māori through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Papa Reo programme has deepened her cultural competency and patient care. Discover how flexible online learning is helping bridge cultural gaps in Aotearoa’s healthcare system.

  • 02 July 2025

    Turning challenges into change

    Discover how Ian Rauwhero (Tainui, Waiohua, Ngāti Pikiao) transformed personal challenges into community impact through study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. From family court struggles to social services success, Ian’s inspiring journey highlights the power of education, whānau support, and cultural connection.

  • 18 June 2025

    Painting from within: Nakita’s creative awakening

    Discover the creative journey of contemporary Māori artist Nakita Tilson, whose passion for painting and Māori art was nurtured through her studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. From overcoming health challenges to creating powerful works like Hine Tōhenga, Nakita’s story is one of resilience, identity, and painting from within.

  • 11 June 2025

    New country, new skills for Sophie

    Discover how Sophie Li, a recent immigrant from China, built confidence and community through study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. From English language to money management and small business, Sophie’s journey highlights the power of accessible education for new migrants in Aotearoa.