Creating art has always been a part of my life; my earliest memories were of drawing.
The other constant throughout my life has been the Coromandel. On my first visit to Hahei, I was bathed in a bucket at the camp; until Dad died, we had a family bach there. Thirteen years ago, my partner Lance and I moved to Whenuakite to be closer to him.
When I first met Bernadette (Bernie) Ross while working at Creative Coromandel, I was immediately drawn to her deep passion for the arts, her friendly warmth and her sharp wit! It wasn’t until I visited her in Whangamatā in 2021, where she was exhibiting local artists’ work alongside her own, that I really started to understand the depths of her talent as a kairaranga – weaving artist. Three years later, we’re still connected, and long overdue for a kōrero about her raranga (weaving) journey!
People often say to me ‘I’ve always wanted to play the harp’ … and I believe them – it’s an intriguing instrument which both enchants and bewitches the listener at the same time.
Creating art has always been a part of my life; my earliest memories were of drawing.
The other constant throughout my life has been the Coromandel. On my first visit to Hahei, I was bathed in a bucket at the camp; until Dad died, we had a family bach there. Thirteen years ago, my partner Lance and I moved to Whenuakite to be closer to him.
Youth Rebellion and Musical Evolution
The first time I saw Flaxxies playing live, I was impressed by their musicianship, enthusiasm and stage presence.
After that show, we ended up at a cool party and bonded pretty quickly. I’m at least 10 years older than drummer Neo Lee, Eric Goodger lead guitar, Nick Tait rhythm guitar, Chris Manning bass/trumpet, and lead singer Benji Humphries, but they’re old souls with a great sense of humour, willing to understand the world around them by connecting with humans and showing interest in what they are up to.
Creating art has always been a part of my life; my earliest memories were of drawing.
The other constant throughout my life has been the Coromandel. On my first visit to Hahei, I was bathed in a bucket at the camp; until Dad died, we had a family bach there. Thirteen years ago, my partner Lance and I moved to Whenuakite to be closer to him.
When I first met Bernadette (Bernie) Ross while working at Creative Coromandel, I was immediately drawn to her deep passion for the arts, her friendly warmth and her sharp wit! It wasn’t until I visited her in Whangamatā in 2021, where she was exhibiting local artists’ work alongside her own, that I really started to understand the depths of her talent as a kairaranga – weaving artist. Three years later, we’re still connected, and long overdue for a kōrero about her raranga (weaving) journey!
People often say to me ‘I’ve always wanted to play the harp’ … and I believe them – it’s an intriguing instrument which both enchants and bewitches the listener at the same time.
Creating art has always been a part of my life; my earliest memories were of drawing.
The other constant throughout my life has been the Coromandel. On my first visit to Hahei, I was bathed in a bucket at the camp; until Dad died, we had a family bach there. Thirteen years ago, my partner Lance and I moved to Whenuakite to be closer to him.
Youth Rebellion and Musical Evolution
The first time I saw Flaxxies playing live, I was impressed by their musicianship, enthusiasm and stage presence.
After that show, we ended up at a cool party and bonded pretty quickly. I’m at least 10 years older than drummer Neo Lee, Eric Goodger lead guitar, Nick Tait rhythm guitar, Chris Manning bass/trumpet, and lead singer Benji Humphries, but they’re old souls with a great sense of humour, willing to understand the world around them by connecting with humans and showing interest in what they are up to.
Want your work in our magazine?
We love your contributions. Send them through to [email protected]
We can’t guarantee to print them all, but we love to know what’s important to you.
Coromind is a collaborative project that gives voice and a platform to the people from the Coromandel. Diversity is essential to us.
