The Story Behind Te Kaitiaki – A Vision Brought to Life

Fourteen years ago, New Zealand artist Lana Kingsbeer experienced a vision so vivid it would shape her creative journey for years to come. Some may call it a dream, others a spark of inspiration, but for Lana, this vision was something far greater—a calling. She saw the face of a mature Māori woman, draped in a feathered cloak, standing with a quiet yet powerful energy. There was a song embedded in the vision, an energy Lana could only describe as a presence, calling to her from across time.

Though Lana didn’t recognize this woman and had no idea why she would be drawn to her, the image and energy stayed with her for years. At first, Lana believed the woman would reveal herself soon, and she began visiting maraes around the region in search of her. However, as time passed, Lana questioned if the vision was simply an idea or an illusion.

Then, 14 years later, Lana moved to the beautiful Bay of Islands, in the Far North of New Zealand. Her art was inspired by the land and the energy of the area, but the memory of that vision remained. Lana knew that the woman in her dream was close, and it was only a matter of time before she would appear.

On a serene morning, Lana attended the proclamation (a blessing for a prohibition ceremony) of a Rahui at Te Rawhiti. Surrounded by people, she suddenly felt the same overwhelming energy she had felt so many years ago. She turned to her partner, Hamish, and whispered, "She's here, I can feel her." Just as she said those words, a lady emerged from a vehicle. Though she was wearing a hat and sunglasses, Lana felt an unmistakable connection. As the woman stepped forward and began to lead the karanga (ceremonial chant), Lana was overcome by a wave of goosebumps and powerful emotion.

Later, Lana and Hamish were invited back to the marae (formal Maori meeting complex) for morning tea. It was only when Lana sat down at the table that she saw the woman’s face clearly—and it was Makarita Te Nana Howard, the very same lady from her vision. Tears welled in Lana's eyes as she shared the story of the vision, explaining how she had been waiting for years to meet Makarita. With tears running down her cheeks, Lana asked if she could paint her portrait.

Makarita, though surprised, was moved. She hesitated at first, concerned that she wasn’t the right person, as she didn’t have a moko kauae (traditional chin tattoo). But Lana reassured her, “I can’t explain why, but I know it’s you. The woman in my vision didn’t have a moko, but she wore a feathered cloak. You called me.”

At that moment, Makarita, along with her niece and cousin, shared a moment of profound emotion. Makarita then told Lana the story of the feathered cloak, which became a symbol of her journey. She spoke of the taonga necklace she wore, and with deep emotion, she agreed to have her portrait painted. “Yes,” she said, “It would be my honor.”

Over the next few months, Lana and Makarita met often, and their connection grew. As the painting evolved, it became clear to Lana that this portrait held a much deeper meaning than she could have imagined. The work wasn’t just about Makarita, or even about Lana—it was about something bigger. The painting seemed to call out to both of them, carrying a message far beyond their own stories.

It was a time of great unrest in New Zealand, with protests and marches calling for a greater recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi—yet neither Lana nor Makarita saw the painting as a political statement. Instead, it became a powerful reminder of mindful living, of engaging with the world thoughtfully and compassionately. As Makarita shared in her chant, “āta whakarongo” (listen carefully), “āta whakaaro” (think thoughtfully), “āta kōrero” (speak with intention), “āta haere” (move with care), and “āta titiro” (look with awareness)—these principles form the foundation of how we should interact with one another and the world.

Te Kaitiaki now carries far more than the image of a beautiful wahine or the story of its creation. It carries the image of the Kuia (elder and caretaker of the extended family stories, traditions and protocol). It stands as a symbol of the Māori world and its deep spiritual values. The painting has been entered into the prestigious Archibald Prize 2025 in New South Wales, supported by entrepreneur John Giddens, and its significance is profound.

This painting represents not just a portrait of Makarita, but a representation of Te Taha Māori (a Maori world view). It is a visual testament to a vision that began 14 years ago and to the incredible connection that unfolded, bringing together the past and present, art and spirit, in a way that could not have been predicted but was always meant to be.