In the heart of Aotearoa, where whenua meets wairua, stories are not just told – they are shaped, carved and etched into form. One artist whose mahi speaks directly to the soul is Stevei Houkamau, an extraordinary Uku (clay) artist whose work honours whakapapa, identity and connection to atua and whenua.
I met Stevei 15 years ago and from the very beginning, I felt the depth of her spirit and creativity. Her kindness, spiritual grounding and quiet strength radiate through every piece she creates. We’ve been privileged to watch her evolve into one of Aotearoa’s most respected clay artists, with many of her early works displayed proudly in our home and the homes of our wider whānau. This post is our way of celebrating her journey, her art and encouraging others to support the incredible talent growing right here in our backyard.
What is Uku Art?
Uku – clay – is more than a material. It is a connector to Papatūānuku, shaped by the hands of Māori artists to hold stories, honour whakapapa and reflect cultural narratives. For many, including Stevei, working with clay is a deeply spiritual practice – a dialogue between earth and artist.
Stevei’s pieces are often described as vessels of identity. Her process is guided by intuition, tradition and a desire to preserve stories and cultural memory through form and texture.
Meet the Artist – Stevei Houkamau
Originally from the East Coast, Stevei carries the strength of her Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui heritage into every curve and carving. She began her creative journey through uku as a form of cultural reclamation and personal healing – and over time, her artistry has become widely recognised across Aotearoa and beyond.
Her works are hand-built, intricately carved and often incorporate traditional whakairo patterns that speak to genealogy and identity. In her own words, her mahi reflects the “connection between the spiritual and physical realms.”
📖 Learn more about her inspiration and process in this beautiful interview with Garland Magazine.
Her Mahi – Clay with Heart
Stevei’s creations are both ancient and contemporary, grounding and elevating. One of my personal favourites is featured in the Garland article – a powerful piece that feels as though it holds the stories of generations. (see link above)
Some of her standout works have been exhibited through:
- Masterworks Gallery – showcasing her signature hand-carved forms
- Objectspace – celebrating clay, culture, and personal origins
- Te Papa Museum – Wellington – connecting whakapapa through powerful clay works
- Auckland Museum – contemporary pieces rooted in deep tradition
👉 See more of Stevei Houkāmau’s exhibitions and works here
Why Supporting Local Artists Matters
To travel meaningfully through Aotearoa is to connect not just with landscapes, but with the people who hold and shape its stories. Supporting artists like Stevei helps preserve mātauranga Māori, sustain creative communities and honour the living voices of this land.
As travellers, we’re not just passing through – we’re invited to learn, witness and uplift.
🛍️ Where to Find Her Work
- Gallery: Masterworks Gallery – Stevei Houkamau,
- Instagram: @steveihoukamau
- Exhibitions: Follow local art galleries like The Suter and national exhibitions featuring contemporary Māori art.
Final Thoughts
Watching Stevei’s growth over the years has been more than inspiring – it’s been a reminder of what it means to create from wairua, with purpose and with deep cultural grounding. We believe in her with all our hearts and are honoured to share a glimpse of her journey with you.
If you’re travelling through Aotearoa, let this be a tohu – a sign – to seek out local art, slow down and connect with the creative souls who give this land its voice.
In sharing Stevei’s story, we help her mahi soar – and in turn, uplift the stories of Aotearoa.
Plan Your Cultural Journey
- Read more about Māori culture and traditions
- Explore Campervanning in Aotearoa
- Discover other local artists and creatives
Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu.
Adorn the bird with feathers so it can fly