Piako River water & mud

After feeling uncomfortable about my first collection of Piako River water at the end of 2024, and using it for paintings, it was suggested I ask a local Iwi what their thoughts were. I asked my contact with Ngāti Paoa, Arnold Gurau, if he could ask fellow Iwi members, and if appropriate, especially the artists I've met - Trudi Long, Rudi Robinson-Cole, Janine Williams. Arnie came to my studio to talk to me face-to-face, and tell me that they were all happy for the stories to be told. We also exchanged more research notes and sources.

Arnie gave me a personal tip - before collecting, make sure your head and heart are in the right place, the right focus - and your ego is far away. Such a good tip.

^{Arnold Gurau (2nd row from back, centre with cape) standing amongst his whanau on Parliament steps - the occasion is the 3rd and final reading of the Ngāti Paoa Treaty settlement - 5 Nov 2025}

So yesterday it was another collection of water and mud from the Piako.

River water used for painting - the green colour is from paint pigment, but the yellow skin from something else?

Tub filled with mud and river water - paper soaking.

While travelling to the Hauraki Plains, I also checked on a small grove of Kahikatea planted near Turua. The berries are now coloured, and have 2 parts, orange and purple. They are still very small, but sweet-tasting.

Green berries picked in January. No juice at all for making paint.

Small berries in early March. Tasting sweet but very small.