"ka tipu ka ora" is a series of twelve pattern based whenua paintings celebrate the star, Tupuānuku and represent the growth cycle of the kūmara. The whenua used within each painting has been sustainably collected over the last two years from Mauao, Matapihi and Matakana. Whenua that has fallen into our moana and onto walking paths are the types of whenua that has been collected and processed into paint. The range of colours and textures has enabled a uniquely Tauranga Moana palette to be achieved. The paintings connect us to both our place here in Tauranga Moana, our taiao and our maramataka