Melissa - Maori art and culture

Young, full of passion for her Maori heritage, gorgeous and bright. So much in just one person. Melissa is of Maori and Pakeha (European) heritage. Her iwi (tribe) is Nga Puhi and her hapu (sub tribes) are Ngati Kahu and Te Rarawa. Melissa's varied background includes working as a theatre producer, charity fundraiser, personnel consultant and educator. She grew up on a beach in the far north of New Zealand before moving to Auckland to study at the University of Auckland focusing on Maori art and traditional culture. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for Maori art is contagious. Consider yourself warned; you may become a Maori art enthusiast too by the end of this day trip.