Nanny Rina's Amazing Nets

Qiane Matata-Sipu (Te Waiohua ki Te Ahiwaru me Te Akitai, Waikato, Ngapuhi, Ngati Pikiao, Cook Islands) is an esteemed Maori-Pasifika creative, storyteller, and award-winning journalist and photographer. She is a social activist and cultural commentator who has a 14-year career contributing to leading media publications and books across Aotearoa and the Pacific. Qiane is a regular guest speaker at women’s arts, business and leadership events. She is the founder and director of NUKU and QIANE+co, and is the founding member and co-leader of Protect Ihumatao. In 2021 Qiane was awarded the Women of Influence Arts and Culture Award, and in 2023 became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to the arts. Her first book NUKU- Stories of 100 Indigenous Women was shortlisted in the 2022 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards for Illustrated Non-Fiction.

Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Illustrator) Isobel Te Aho-White (Ngati Kahungunu, Ngai Tahu) is an Illustrator based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Her book Santa’s Worst Christmas (2019) with Huia publishers was nominated for the NCYA Book Awards across five categories and her book Whiti- Colossal Squid of the Deep (2020) written by Victoria Cleal and published by Te Papa Press won a Whitley award for best children’s book.