In January 2019, some of the worlds best street artists transformed some grey city walls into colourful masterpieces as part of the Street Prints Manaia, International Art Festival. 15 incredible murals based on the theme “Tui ate muka Tangata – Weaving the Thread of Humanity”. 

Paola says “I had the great pleasure to share some time in this beautiful country and be part of this experience, taking place in Whangārei, home of Ngatiwai "descendants of the sea" and descendants of Manaia. 

More than 1000 years ago they navigated the oceans coming from Hawaiki nui and also from the Americas as many Māori tribes believe, arriving in Aotearoa in Māhuhu-ki-te-rangi, their Iwi's waka. They shared with us their beliefs, reminding us the importance of honouring the past, our ancestors, those who built the events that made us who we are, and gave us a heritage. 

To also remember that no matter where we come from, in the end, we are all connected, we have always been”.