LISA REIHANA

Kylie Kwong celebrates the individuals helping to grow a stronger community. This month, we meet award-winning New Zealand artist and Ngapuhi woman, Lisa Reihana.

- JOANNA HUNKIN (MAIN) & KYLIE KWONG (INTRO)

Lisa Reihana made a profound impression on me years ago when I first met her through my wife Nell. Lisa is formidable; her energy is powerful, courageous, calming, respectful, healing, exquisitely sensitive and grounded, all at once. Lisa is one of those people who enhances all of those privileged enough to cross her path and I just love the way she loves her family so fiercely.

There is a phrase in te reo Maori, which refers to the sacred power of women: mana wahine. All women possess this power but some positively radiate it. Lisa Reihana is one of those women; speaking to her is as uplifting as it is energising.

It’s a power she also brings to her art, which she began creating in the 1980s. Today, Reihana is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists, working across multiple disciplines, including film, photography, sculpture and more, to create bold, immersive experiences.