The word ‘tiaki’ means to guard. It also means to preserve, foster, protect and shelter. So, notions of care and protection are at the heart of this series and how it relates to the preservation of land and perpetuation of our sacred bodies of knowledge. 

The prefix ‘Kai’ means someone who carries out an action. A ‘Kaitiaki’ is a person that acts as a guardian, protector and conserver of knowledge, influencing and affecting others through their teachings. 

The Kaitiaki series features many bird forms and are a reference to our society forgetting to take the time to listen to our world. The series is a response to the devastating effects of humankind on Papatuanuku (mother earth) and all of her children.