NATIVE SPIRIT

Excerpt from feature article by Peter Skinner for Rangefinder Magazine, USA, Feb 07.

"Photographers who are able to draw inspiration and strength from their cultural heritage, and who have the talent to infuse their images with the style, character and lore of that ancestry, are indeed fortunate. Such is the case with Tania Niwa, a native of New Zealand now based in Sydney, Australia, who is one of the shining stars of contemporary photography. Not only has she established herself within the top echelon of Australian photographers in her field, she has also greatly impressed her North American contemporaries with powerful, earthy photographs that exude sensuality and incorporate a wonderful blend of documentary and slick design."

Tania's personal fine art photography began by incorporating her Maori heritage in a self-assigned and ongoing series of tribal images. This personal work has truly been a labor of love, and while building and running a successful portrait business.

She continues to add to the wonderful collection she started more than 13 years ago. Her ancestral heritage has been a powerful influence in her life, both personally and professionally.

The Maori people, the indigenous population of New Zealand, have in recent years made great strides in nurturing and advancing their culture. Tania Niwa, who comes from the small town of Waitara (population 4000) in the Taranaki region of New Zealand's North Island, was fortunate to be included among those people dedicated to keeping the Maori culture and traditions alive.

Tania embraced her heritage, and the Waitara Marae became the foundation for her growth. The Marae is the cultural and spiritual center of a Maori community, a place where the culture and traditions of the Maori people are maintained and passed on to younger generations. It is, in a sense, the font of Maori knowledge.

Tania explains, "The Waitara Marae 'Owae-whai-tara' was, and still remains, a central focus and pride for my small hometown, and it gave me a sense of identity, a direct connection with my ancestors. The marae is strategically placed at one of the highest points in our town, overlooking the Waitara River, which the town was built on both sides of, and has a clear view of the river mouth and the Tasman Sea. Also, it sits before the majestic rise of Mt. Taranaki/Egmont, which belongs to all the tribes of Taranaki and is a very spiritual site for my people."

From the very beginnings of her career as an artist and photographer, she has capitalised on, and been eternally grateful for, being born into a proud and traditional culture that has become the foundation for her personal and professional aspirations. Deep down, she knows she can play her part in paying tribute to, and advancing, that Maori heritage through her groundbreaking photography.

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