Panache Huata-Ropitini

Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Arawa, Tūhoe
Joined the exhibition in Hastings in October 2022.

Wāhine Exhibition Panache Huata Ropitini portrait audio photography

From appreciating the little things in life with her Dad, to travelling the world with her Mum, Panache grew up enriched by the teachings of two different worlds.

Now on a journey to achieve her goals and dreams, she wants to give back what she received: her connection to her kura, and her love for kapa haka.

Follow the exhibition’s journey here:

PHOTO PORTRAIT DESCRIPTION

Panache is a young wāhine with long straight black hair styled forward over each shoulder. Her eyes are open, lips straight as she seems to look straight out at us. Her chin is adorned with a moko kauae with strong vertical lines leading to koru swirls on either side.

She wears a dark green cotton top gathered at the top of the sleeves and below the neckline a bit like an artist’s smock. Her bone hei tiki or carved human figure lies horizontally from a thick black cord and stands out starkly against the dark clothing. It has round paua eyes, its head tilted upwards.

In the background is a sunlit sky framed by harakeke on the left and trees on the right.

Hastings Exhibition October 2022

Explore more…

  • Cindy's portrait

    Cindy Te Ata Batt

    Te Atiawa, Waikato, Te Whānau-A-Apanui and Ngai Tūhoe

  • Lisa's photo portrait

    Lisa Tumahai

    Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Waewae, Makaawhio