| Te Puke Times |
| A Life and Painting to treasure By John McMenamin NewsPaper. Te Puke Times April 21,1999 The remarkable talent of Artist Peter Caley has bought to life a vibrant and stunning image of a notable Te Puke kuia. Even with limited public exposure to date, his portrait of the late Mauria Te Tauri Mokena (Morgan)much revered as ‘Nanny’ – has excited much interest and acclaim. The painting, taken from the cherished photo, is an inspired work which has a living presence and it could be destined to win regard as a New Zealand Master piece. But, however, the formal art world eventually classifies the painting, most importantly to the artist, it has bought joy to the whanau of it’s endearing subject. Her Grand daughter Ruby Rota of Te Puke long held the dream of having a painting done that truly reflected the love, dignity and wisdom of the wonderful woman who raised her and sister Teiria. After becoming friends with Peter Caley she learnt he was a painter and on seeing some of his work felt he must be the one to realise the family dream. It is believed Mrs Mokena was at least 103 when she passed on in 1972, a lack of birth records preventing exact verification. Born in the Thames valley area, she spent most in the Te Puke district. She was a descendant of Tia, Hei and Tama te kapua. She was a kaumatua and Tangata Whenua in Hei, is Haraki Marae, Kuia Karanga, he kuia awhina manaaki, he aroha ki te tangata. In 1972 Nanny was one of only 35 kuia in New Zealand with the original moko, signifying her bloodlines and she wore it with dignity. Active all her life, she took part in a walkathon months before her death to raise funds towards a meeting house for Hei marae – some whanau were concerned about the effect on her But Ruby Rota recalls with affection that there was no stopping Nanny when she put her mind to something. Ruby also remembers well that one of the biggest wishes was that we should all embrace each other as whanau and live in peace. For Peter Caley the painting has been a major catalyst in his life, drawing him back to live in New Zealand after a decade in Australia. Now much in demand as an art teacher and living between Hamilton and Tauranga for the moment, he has previously concentrated on wildlife paintings plus regular commissioned work. The Taku Kuia portrait is a breakthrough work for him, an awakening that could lead him to the forefront of the art world. He has become a master of colour and brings an incredible three dimensional force to his paintings. More immediately, Peter, who has Ngai Tahu links, will have his work featured in a new Auckland gallery being opened this month by Tame Iti. One of its aims is to promote the work of unknown Maori Artists. The portrait gives testimony that he will not fit that description and his name is sure to become recognisable. Peter Caley now regards this painting as part of his destiny, and he formed a close attachment with his subject, really feeling her presence as the work progressed. It is a treasure in many regards |
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