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Matahi Brightwell
New Zealand carver and waka ama founder (born 1952) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Matahi Whakataka Brightwell ONZM (born Gregory John Brightwell in 1952) is a New Zealand master carver and a founder of the waka ama (outrigger canoe racing) sport in New Zealand. His notable artworks include a sculpture in cliffside stone of Ngātoro-i-rangi at Mine Bay, Lake Taupō, carved from 1976 to 1980, which has been recognised as important to the district and local iwi. In 1985, he built the canoe Hawaikinui-1 in Tahiti, which he and others sailed to New Zealand to reflect Māori migration from Polynesia to New Zealand. He subsequently brought the waka ama sport to New Zealand.
Quick Facts ONZM, Born ...
Matahi Brightwell | |
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![]() Brightwell in 2022 | |
Born | Gregory John Brightwell 1952 (age 71–72) Masterton, New Zealand |
Other names |
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Occupation | Master carver |
Known for | Founder of waka ama in New Zealand |
Notable work | Sculpture of Ngātoro-i-rangi at Mine Bay, Lake Taupō |
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