Earth and sky are vibrating with the essence of Poutama which encompasses all and connects us through every aspect of life and our everyday decisions and actions. Smudges of birds and insects are vibrating in the air just as the ground is full of life. There is no perfect stylised blue or green shape to be found. Papatūānuku and Ranginui are brimming with life in all its perfect imperfections.  

Bobby’s low haka stance recognises his body as part of his ancestral whare while he is already lifting one foot off the ground to jump into action where needed. His taonga around his neck and his pouwhenua in his hands mean purpose, connection and belonging to Bobby. 

His whanau is represented by five love hearts at the base of the painting, which is grounding him in the words of his elders and the immediate love of his family. That love is also echoed by the five love hearts on either side of the roof, his wedding ring, and the red shirt button, which aims to represent his wife and their four daughters. Each daughter has been given a different shade of blue and green to emphasise that they are all individual and appreciated within their father’s favourite colours.