Tūmanako Huia
The birds call, the day begins, and I am Alive! 
~ Korihi ake ngā manu takiri mai te ata
Ka ao ka ao ka awatea tīhei mauri ora!

Two huia take flight into the soft light of a new dawn. The dawn chorus has always been a signal that the world is beginning again. Whatever yesterday held, today is fresh and new. Tūmanako means hope. A daily reminder that the birds still sing, the sun still rises, and every morning brings with it the chance to begin again. For a graduation, a wedding, a farewell, or any moment where someone is stepping into something new - this is a print that says the best is still ahead. From the Te Arawa karakia 'He karakia whakapopto i te pō kia hohoro te awatea ~ A karakia to shorten the night and make daylight come quickly' First published in Grey's book Ko nga moteatea in 1853.

A3 - 420mm x 300mm

High quality unframed fine art print
Open Edition Print - Hand signed and a numbered

Printed using archival inks and the highest quality giclée printing process, these works are guaranteed against fading for more than 100 years. Each print is produced on premium archival matte gallery paper, specially designed for museum quality fine art reproduction. The luxurious 320gsm paper stock is made from 100% cotton using a cold press method, giving it a beautifully soft finish and a natural white surface free from optical brighteners.

Amber Smith is a ceramic artist and printmaker who honours her connection to Ngāti Wai through her child. Inspired by the natural beauty of Aotearoa, especially our native birdlife, her work celebrates te ao Māori and seeks to foster connection, understanding, and respect. Often drawing on whakataukī (proverbs) and waiata (songs), Amber combines te Reo Māori and English to create uplifting works that carry messages of love, hope, and self worth, creating meaningful pieces to gift yourself or someone special.

Note: The frame shown is made in a virtual setting to give an example of what the print could look like framed.