“He Korowai Aroha” - the cloak of love that binds and protects.
Acrylic on canvas by Charlotte Manawanui Christie
This piece tells a sacred story — one of the enduring, unshakeable love that a mother holds for her tamariki, both within the womb and beyond it, in this world and the next. It is a tribute to the courage it takes to trust the quiet guidance of our tūpuna — the whispers of the ancestors, the karanga of the soul — and to follow a path that is true. A path aligned with the wellbeing of pēpi, with wairua, and with purpose.
It is a reminder that we are never alone. Our ancestors walk beside us, guiding our steps and lighting the way — reminding us that there is always a path forward, even when it is hard to see.
This work speaks to Tino Rangatiratanga — the sovereignty of self, the strength in standing in one’s truth. It reflects Mana Motuhake — the sacred right to care deeply and fiercely for what matters most. This is the essence of Kaitiakitanga — guardianship, protection, and reverence for life in all its forms.
This piece embodies the power of love — not a passive love, but a fierce and generative one. A love that holds us all to account, that asks us to rise for those who matter most. It is a call to remember who we are, and the sacred responsibility we carry.
May this piece offer comfort, strength, and inspiration to all who encounter her. May she whisper stories of remembrance — of reclaiming truth, rediscovering voice, and returning to the innate beauty and sanctity within.
May she help guide our young ones in making informed choices, grounded in aroha, dignity, and the wisdom of our ancestors — planting the seeds of a future in harmony with life.
May we never forget the sanctity we carry as wāhine — as mokopuna of Papatūānuku. Guardians of creation, dreamers, singers of ancient songs. Birthing new life into form, and carving out new worlds for our babies to thrive.
“He Korowai Aroha” - the cloak of love that binds and protects.
Acrylic on canvas by Charlotte Manawanui Christie
This piece tells a sacred story — one of the enduring, unshakeable love that a mother holds for her tamariki, both within the womb and beyond it, in this world and the next. It is a tribute to the courage it takes to trust the quiet guidance of our tūpuna — the whispers of the ancestors, the karanga of the soul — and to follow a path that is true. A path aligned with the wellbeing of pēpi, with wairua, and with purpose.
It is a reminder that we are never alone. Our ancestors walk beside us, guiding our steps and lighting the way — reminding us that there is always a path forward, even when it is hard to see.
This work speaks to Tino Rangatiratanga — the sovereignty of self, the strength in standing in one’s truth. It reflects Mana Motuhake — the sacred right to care deeply and fiercely for what matters most. This is the essence of Kaitiakitanga — guardianship, protection, and reverence for life in all its forms.
This piece embodies the power of love — not a passive love, but a fierce and generative one. A love that holds us all to account, that asks us to rise for those who matter most. It is a call to remember who we are, and the sacred responsibility we carry.
May this piece offer comfort, strength, and inspiration to all who encounter her. May she whisper stories of remembrance — of reclaiming truth, rediscovering voice, and returning to the innate beauty and sanctity within.
May she help guide our young ones in making informed choices, grounded in aroha, dignity, and the wisdom of our ancestors — planting the seeds of a future in harmony with life.
May we never forget the sanctity we carry as wāhine — as mokopuna of Papatūānuku. Guardians of creation, dreamers, singers of ancient songs. Birthing new life into form, and carving out new worlds for our babies to thrive.
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