Robyn Kahukiwa, a pioneering Māori artist, author, and activist, passed away on 11 April 2025 in Wellington at the age of 86. Of Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Konohi, and Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare descent, Kahukiwa was renowned for her powerful depictions of Māori women and her unwavering commitment to Indigenous rights and cultural identity. ​

Born in Sydney in 1938, Kahukiwa returned to Aotearoa New Zealand at 19, reconnecting with her Māori heritage—a journey that profoundly influenced her artistic trajectory. Her early works explored themes of urban Māori life, motherhood, and the impacts of colonisation. In 1971, she held her first solo exhibition at Wellington's Red Cottage Gallery, marking the beginning of a prolific career. ​

Kahukiwa gained national prominence with her 1984 touring exhibition Wāhine Toa, which celebrated the strength and stories of Māori women. Her art, characterised by bold colours and symbolic imagery, became a visual assertion of Māori identity and sovereignty. Beyond painting, she authored and illustrated numerous children's books, often collaborating with writer Patricia Grace, to bring Māori narratives to younger generations. ​

Throughout her life, Kahukiwa remained a staunch advocate for Māori rights. She declined state honours, aligning with her political beliefs, but accepted the Te Tohu Aroha mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu | Exemplary/Supreme Award at the Te Waka Toi Awards in 2020, recognising her lifetime contribution to Māori art and culture. ​

Her legacy endures through her art, which is held in major collections across New Zealand, including Te Papa and the Auckland Art Gallery. Kahukiwa's work continues to inspire and empower, serving as a testament to her dedication to cultural preservation and social justice.