“kia piki te ora, piki te kaha, piki te wairua, piki te māramatanga”
This collection was commissioned by the outgoing Wairarapa DHB Board to mark the transition from DHB’s to Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) and Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority) and was sponsored by CEO Dale Oliff and project managed by Maori Health GM – Jason Kerehi.
Wairarapa artist Sam Te Tau was engaged to curate the collection alongside five other artists. It was Sam’s suggestion to go along the ‘digital artwork’ pathway as it was a media that could bring together working artists including digital, weaving, photography and carving. It was also chosen because the imagery could be done at a high resolution and large format to fill the walls of the hospital.
The collection is called “Kia Piki Te Ora” which means to uplift one’s wellbeing, and is most appropriate for a Hospital. It is aimed at all who pass through our corridors including staff, patients and visitors. The artists were challenged to provide images that made you feel well. The name is taken from a longer whakatauiki (proverb) – kia piki te ora, piki te kaha, piki te wairua, piki te maramatanga – which means to uplift one’s wellbeing physically, spiritually and mentally.
