More info about Chris can be found on the “Meet Our Artists” page.

“The Inspiration Behind Awhi i ngā Hītori - this waka hoe began as a salvaged piece of rimu, once part of a door frame. While shaping it, I uncovered a small crack—evidence of its past life. Initially, I considered hiding it, but the wood’s grain revealed a deeper truth: imperfections tell a story worth honoring. The crack became a symbol of resilience, a reminder that history is not something to be erased but embraced. Just like the rings of the rimu tree hold the memory of its growth, so too do our own imperfections and experiences shape who we are. This understanding gave the hoe its name: Awhi i ngā Hītori —Embrace History.

Guided by the whakataukī, “Ko ngā tapuwae a ō tātou tūpuna, hei tauira mō āpōpō”—The footsteps laid down by our ancestors create the paving stones upon which we stand today—this piece is a tribute to the past, woven into the present. This hoe symbolises the journey of learning and growth, honoring the past while guiding the way forward.

Awhi i ngā Hītori —Embrace History measures 15cm wide by 105cm high.