Created with deep respect and in collaboration with Māori mentors from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, this work reflects a meaningful engagement with culture, history, and identity.

Each element of the painting speaks to Dame Whina’s leadership and determination—her presence grounded, powerful, and enduring. The composition and detail aim to honour not just the individual, but the wider story she represents.

This piece is a tribute to her legacy, and to the ongoing importance of connection, respect, and cultural understanding in Aotearoa.