It is not surprising the Dunedin law academic, artist and former Green Party co-leader has decided to give one of her latest artworks to the University of Otago.
Whanokē (2022) was initially created for an exhibition exploring differing perceptions of what gifts mean to people.
"Whanokē is about the gift of living through erratic difficult times and the gift that nature provides us by reminding us that there is this continual cycle," she said.
The artwork consisted of three sculptures, from which taniko was woven, and a felt carpet overlaid with vibrant coloured flower designs of kōwhai, harakeke and kotukutuku.
"I really enjoy art that can be tactile and invites people to be part of it."
It hangs at the university’s Centre of Indigenous Science.
"Art has a mind of its own, and the centre is definitely the right place for her," Ms Stanton Turei said.
"I couldn’t think of a more perfect home."
The Otago master of laws graduate and Dunedin School of Art graduate is now a senior lecturer in the university’s faculty of law.
