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Born in 1962, Auckland/New Zealand.

Father ,Cook Islander (Aitutaki) ,Mother third generation Kiwi(Canterbury plains)

Always eager to draw and paint in her youth, she did not participate in Artistic endeavours until much later in life.

Lois McIvor, inspiring tutor, then, mentor encouraged her to pursue painting from 1994 after a series of classes at Artstation in Ponsonby-Auckland.

She began learning the diverse techniques of Oil painting.

Still-life was the discipline that captured her attention, creating realistic depictions on canvas.

As her technical ability developed subject matter became important.

Painting became a way in which she could create some connection with her unknown Cook Islands identity, intensified by the passing of her Father in 1996.

Earlier works were colour fields of blue on unstretched canvas containing the words ‘longing' and ‘belonging'.

Whales, Marlin and barracuda often drifting through them.

Hibiscus paintings began around 2000, rich red compositions of hibiscus enmasse.

This satisfied the Still-life discipline though the composition was clearly informal and original.

Colours varied at times though always vivid. Attention to detail of these floral compositions has become more refined as this style has evolved.

Awarded the Cook Islands residency in 2003 by the Pacific Arts committee she immersed herself in a culture that was unfamiliar yet developed a deep sense of belonging.

One of her painting was publish on the "New-Zealand Favorite Artists" edited by Denis Robinson-Saint Publishing. (Brown girl with Frangipani)

Her flower paintings were embraced by the local community and the residency culminated in a very successful solo exhibition at the National Museum in Rarotonga-

Te Ruperupe O Toku Ipukarea .

The opportunity to focus on her Art career increased confidence in her ability.

Exploring themes of Island life, she hopes to reveal an authentic view of Polynesia.