Tia Ranginui’s (Ngāti Hine Oneone) photographic series Ahi Teretere plays on the complicated and nuanced emotions provoked by returning home – a concept that for many resounds with familiarity, comfort and belonging. However, for many Māori, “home” can be a loaded ideal that does not translate into our current reality.
Ahi Teretere responds to the emotions provoked for Ranginui in returning to her papa kāinga on Te Awa Whanganui. These images engage with themes of fire and ice – where flames battle desperately against their cold, unwelcoming environments.