Renowned Māori artist and children’s book author Robyn Kahukiwa has died at the age of 87, her family announced this evening.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robyn Kahukiwa, beloved Mum, Kōka, Nanny, Kuia, and Great Nanny to her mokopuna, widow of Dooley Pera Kahukiwa (dec) Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa,” her whānau said today on social media.
The political activist (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Konohi, Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare) died peacefully after an illness yesterday, “her kaitiaki near, wrapped in the korowai of aroha and pouritanga of our whānau”.
Her family gave “special thanks and gratitude to the staff at Wellington Hospital Ward 6”.
The famously private Sydney-born artist’s works were exhibited in Aotearoa and overseas.
A private cremation will take place shortly, her family said, “and when our whānau are ready we will take her back to Ngāti Whakaue to be with her makau, Dooley Kahukiwa, at Kauae”.
“It was important to her and our whānau that we respect and follow her final wishes. Mum and Nanny, you leave a huge hole in our lives. We love and will miss you so very much. You leave your great legacy of Māori art, and the taonga of your stories and illustrations for us your whānau, your mokopuna, and future generations.”
