Pacific Artist Donates Artwork

Vaka Tautua has been gifted artwork by Pacific artist, Sharlene Helg Ngatupuna. The painting was unveiled by Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, at the organisation’s Manukau office today.

The painting, gifted on behalf of the artist’s parents, Stanley and the late Cecilia Helg, is for “the fabulous services and blessings for our Pacific peoples” [that Vaka Tautua provides]. The vibrant work features fruit from across the Pacific in a tanoa (kava bowl), surrounded by different flowers of the Pacific.

Dr Dunlop, a long-time admirer of Ms Helg Ngatupuna’s work, said the organisation was humbled by her and her parents’ kindness and generosity.

“We are blessed to have been gifted such a beautiful piece of art… and one that captures us as Pacific peoples so brilliantly – bright, colourful and vibrant; and while different, all belonging together [in the tanoa],” Dr Dunlop said.

The artwork is hanging in Vaka Tautua’s Head Office in Manukau.

Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health and social services provider. It delivers disability, mental health, older peoples, financial capability and social services in the greater Auckland, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Canterbury regions.

The painting by Sharlene Helg Ngatupuna

On display now at Vaka Tautua Manukau office