Designer / Artist

With a background in Architectural Design, Aria Hinewai has worked as a Designer in te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, for the last two decades.

She was a designer for the renowned architect Roger Walker and other architectural firms in the rohe. This has allowed her to work and design on a diverse selection of projects, including papakāinga, commercial and residential developments in locations throughout Aotearoa.

Over time, she has developed and honed her skills as an artist and designer with an eye for detail. These design disciplines are evident in her creations.

Aria Hinewai is a part of a rōpū who exhibit and collaborate at Toi Matarau gallery – a collective of contemporary and traditional Māori artists, established and based at Māoriland Hub, the home of Māoriland indigenous film.  This collaboration has allowed her a platform to exhibit her works with fellow artists and creatives. In addition to her working on her various design collections and private commissions.

Obtaining an understanding the traditional forms and symbolism within her culture and reinterpreting them in a contemporary context has enabled her to develop her own unique style.

As an artist, she enjoys the process of creating beautiful and desirable pieces that enhance and uplift any given space.

Aria Hinewai is currently designing and expanding her up-and-coming design collections, which over time will be released and feature in Pourama.

As a descendant from a long line of tohunga and creatives, it is intrinsically in her bloodline to create and design beautiful and unique pieces.

Te toi whakairo, ka ihihi, ka wehiwehi, ka aweawe te ao katoa.