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 Pāoa, Arnie 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 scources.

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.

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 the 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.