Awatea Crawford

Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa

Awatea lives on the Kāpiti Coast with her three children, enjoying her supportive friends, loving community life and the warm weather. 

She has had previous involvement volunteering for schools, kindergartens and various community centres. 

She holds a Bachelor in Social sciences majoring in Sociology and women and gender studies as well as a certificate in Gestalt Psychotherapy. She is currently working towards a diploma of graphics and design. 

Awatea is passionate about youth and self growth. She has a love for music, art, nature and finding the blessings and beauty in the small things in life that bring joy and spontaneous laughter. She finds her inspiration in these things and her children who have been her teachers and the most rewarding gift one could ever receive. 

“Poipoia te kākano, kia pūawai”

This whakataukī describes her journey so far. She has no background in art, other than doodles.  On one occasion, as she was painting for fun an intuitive spark was ignited. While in lockdown she put pen to paper and allowed whatever to emerge. She planted a seed and nurtured it, now feeling passionate about developing and expressing her uniqueness more through creativity.  Her hope is that by sharing her art journey with the world it will inspire others to follow their heart, discover what makes their soul radiate, sing and dance.