Listen
Māori visual artist Dr Maureen Lander is a visionary, a leading exponent of weaving, both customary and experimental, an installation artist and a mentor to many.
Added to her extensive list of achievements is now being named as one of our latest Arts Foundation Laureates.
Back in 1984 she learnt flax harvesting, processing and weaving techniques from the hugely respected weaver and artist, Diggeress Te Kanawa.
While honouring these traditional techniques, the Elam Art School graduate also integrates them with Western art materials like nylon fishing line and mesh.
In 2020 Dr Lander became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori art.
She talks with Lynn Freeman about her life, her work and her recent collaborations with the wāhine Māori Mata Aho Collective, also named as one of this year's Arts Laureates.