Niue artist brings ancestral stories to Auckland in first Aotearoa exhibition

A Niuean artist is bringing stories of ancestry, identity and the environment to Auckland in her first exhibition in Aotearoa.

For Niue-based visual artist Susannah Sionetuato, Matutaki is more than a collection of paintings. It is the result of a lifelong calling and a chance to share contemporary Niuean storytelling across the ocean.

"I was chosen by my ancestors to be their artist in this lifetime," Sionetuato said in a statement. "I create in honour of them and carry this role with deep respect and responsibility.

“My work is an expression of ancestry, identity, and continuity, translating inherited knowledge and lived experience into visual form.”

Speaking with PMN Niue, Sionetuato says bringing her work to Auckland is a dream come true.

“It's a long time dream to actually come away from my comfort zone and to be actually doing this right now is just huge,” she says.

Watch Susannah Sionetuato's full interview below.

“I feel so excited and yet I'm just grateful that I'm able to do this. For me this is the right time to do this.”

Her work combines acrylic paints and mixed media with traditional Niuean hiapo patterns and bold abstract designs.

She also uses Vagahau Niue, the Niuean language, alongside symbols and motifs to add another layer to her visual storytelling.

For Sionetuato, the work is about showing Pacific life and culture while also exploring environmental awareness and social issues.

She says art gives people a way to tell stories about themselves and the places they come from.

“When you look at the simple things that you enjoy, that matters to you, and you put it on canvas or paper, you're writing your story,” Sionetuato says.

“But it's a visual story of you and your representation of the environment that you live in, the world. Just simple things that we may miss if we do not stand still and recognise them and give honour to the aspects that make you a whole person.”

That idea of slowing down is central to Matutaki.

Sionetuato hopes visitors will take time away from the rush of everyday life to notice the small details around them and reflect on what connects them to their own identity and environment.

The exhibition is being held at Laka in Onehunga, a gallery space that showcases indigenous measina (treasures), artists, growers, makers, and practitioners from Aotearoa and the Pacific.

Sionetuato says she is “grateful” for the opportunity and credits her family, friends, and supporters for encouraging her to take the step.

With the freedom to now practise art fulltime, she describes the exhibition as “the icing on the cake” and hopes Matutaki is the first of many more opportunities to show her work in Aotearoa.

Matutaki Art Exhibition details:

Dates: 5 August - 14 August 2026

Location: Laka, 169 Onehunga Mall, Auckland

Hours: Weekdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm, Weekends from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Entry: Free