Maija Stephens and Kimiora Whaanga’s photographic response to a dementia prevention feasibility project undertaken by Te Puna Ora o Mataatua kaimahi with Ngāti Rangitihi koeke lies in Whiria te hauora: Ngāti Rangitihi Koeke, situated in the Whakatāne Community Board Gallery this month.

Maija Stephens (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Rangi) grew up in Te Kuiti and is currently based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, studying as a photographer at Toi Rauwhārangi, Massey University. Kimiora Whaanga (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahungungu, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mamoe, Waitaha) is a third-year student studying a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design) at Massey University, Wellington, having lived in Waikato for most of her life. Both these emerging artists are driven to develop their skills through study for an eventual career in the visual arts. In Whiria te hauora: Ngāti Rangitihi Koeke the artists have skilfully captured the older citizens of our rohe at a time of intense vulnerability, in the most intimate of locations - in the heart of home and whanau.