Niki White
Practice: Muka fibre pehipehi
The Experience: For the Creative Spaces Project 2026, Niki presents a Pehipehi, a handwoven cloak created as a gift and burial cloak for a family member. Made from muka fibre, the piece has been a year-long journey of preparation and weaving, undertaken through the teachings of Te Raita Ngamoko, granddaughter of the late Rokahurihia Cameron, under whom Niki previously studied.
Deeply personal and culturally significant, the cloak reflects the importance of honouring loved ones through traditional Māori practices.
Venue: Roost
Address: 14 Wiltshire Street, Arrowtown 9302
Location of Art: Street-facing window, between buildings
Accessibility:
Viewable 24/7 from the street
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Restrooms: No
Parking: On Road parking
Venue Website: https://www.roost.co.nz/
About the Artist:
Niki White is a contemporary craft artist and traditional Māori healing practitioner based in Lake Hāwea. Working across sculpture, weaving and jewellery, her creative practice explores the connection between traditional Māori customs, remembrance and the ways we honour our loved ones.
Through her work, Niki brings together traditional knowledge and contemporary craft, exploring how creativity can carry memory, connection and respect across generations.
See more of the artist’s work:
• Visit Niki’s website: https://www.nikiwhite.co.nz/
• Follow Niki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maorimetal/
The Creative Spaces Project is running throughout the month of November across the Queenstown Lakes region and can be explored via an interactive online map featuring participating artists, venues and installations.
Find out more and plan your creative trail at www.threelakesculturaltrust.co.nz/creative-spaces-project
The project was created by Three Lakes Cultural Trust in partnership with the Queenstown Lakes District Council with support from Central Lakes Trust.
