Tracey Tawhiao is a writer, poet and trained lawyer, as well as a painter and visual artist. This voice is central to her practice in whatever form she chooses for expression. Tawhiao is of the Ngai Te Rangi iwi or tribe from Matakana Island, New Zealand, and Tuwharetoa, Taumaranui as well as Whakatohea. It was when she spent considerable time on the island that she started her newspaper paintings that now cover the walls of many peoples’ homes. She is a Director of The House of Taonga, a Maori artist house of thought and creative endeavour for the fostering of Maori Art.