This sand won't hurt your eyes

KATE NEWTON
For generations, Ngaromoana Raureti's ancestors have lived on the land near Ruawharo Marae at Opoutama.
But with a multi-million dollar settlement threatening the locals' livelihoods and the changes that development bring, Ngaro has learnt to express emotion through her art and also make a dollar.
The Opoutama community, renowned for its strong artistic talents, has for the fifth year in a row rallied together to display their passion.
The Gifted Sands exhibition with its roots in the journey of Ruawharo - a voyager who brought to Mahia some of the sands of Hawaiki, is to finish tomorrow with a showcase of eight local artists.
The theme of this year's Gifted Sands - shifting with the winds of change - is evident in Ngaromoana's art.
Angry with the subdivision under construction on the original motor camp site at Blue Bay, Ngaromoana has painted Ruawharo's head on a stick.
As in the days of war when the heads of fallen warriors were displayed on sticks at Blue Bay, Ruawharo is said to be losing his head over the development, she said.
"This painting is about what is at risk and Ruawharo's head being used as a trophy," Ngaro said.
The blue "teeth" jutting out of her paintings are metaphors for the people of the community's myths and stories which bite into the land.
"The teeth are not as sharp as before but it is still about storytelling," Ngaro said.
"These paintings tell of the effects of what has happened to our community."
Living at Ruawharo and being able to sell work has got harder every year.
The cost of living has increased and the numbers attending the Gifted Sands workshops have dropped since the motor camp was sold.
"The workshops are only breaking even and you have to sell a lot to make just a bit of money."
Ngaromoana is resilient though.
"Gifted Sands is about lifting our sights and our ability to find employment."
Her painting titled Hinemoana shows three Maori women with umbrellas for skirts.
Ngaro, who is on various committees, said the umbrellas represented her interests.
"It's also about women having authority and being the nurturers, but also the warriors."
Ngaro's husband Mahea Tomoana is also exhibiting. Mahea makes his sculptures with driftwood, stones, paua and wire he finds on the beach.
"The artworks promote appreciation for the environment from an indigenous perspective," he said.
Also on display today will be the brightly coloured weavings crafted by Moana Ngarimu.
Weaving is more than a hobby for Moana. It has helped her through the hard times in her life and reflects her culture and heritage.
"It's soothing and while I'm doing it I'm always planning what I want to do next."
Moana picked up weaving 30 years ago watching her two older sisters.
Although her own daughters aren't keen to pick up the art yet she hopes they will eventually.
And that's what it's all about.
As Ngaromoana said, Golden Sands is about teaching the children of the community that they are able to achieve anything and can shift with the winds of change.
Gifted Sands started on December 31, and finishes today with an exhibition from 10am to 5pm.