Maata Wharehoka

Career Wharehoka began her career as a nurse, during which she wrote the first stop smoking programme targeted at Māori women. She became an advocate of kahu whakatere tūpāpaku, traditional Māori practices surrounding death, and voluntary euthanasia.

She was considered a renowned practitioner of raranga, Māori weaving.

She worked closely with the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, providing guidance to the institution and presenting at public events. She also collaborated with and hosted artists, including Te Wai Hohaia, Pinaree Sanpitak, Lafin Sawmah, Eleng Luluan, Akac Orat and Malay Makakazuwan, Hawaiian collective Ho’okuleana, and Sorawit Songsataya.

In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Wharehoka was awarded the Creative New Zealand Ngā Tohu ā Tā Kingi Ihaka award in 2015.

Wharehoka acted as the caretaker of Te Niho O Te Atiawa, a Parihaka marae, for almost 30 years until her death.

Key exhibitions Fibrous Soul, a collaboration with Sorawit Songsatya at Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, March 2–June 16, 2024.