Te Manaia Jennings is a Māori artist and speaker whose work is guided by a deep love for storytelling, culture, and healing. Drawing on her background in psychology and children’s mental health, she creates art that speaks to identity, faith, whakapapa, and emotional wellbeing.  

 Te Manaia believes in the power of art to uplift, connect, and inspire change. Her work has been shared across Aotearoa in campaigns, galleries, and community spaces, and her story has reached international platforms like the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls book, where she was featured as one of 100 inspiring young changemakers. 

 After working in youth mental health, Te Manaia made the decision in 2025 to step fully into her art practice. She is now working towards her first solo exhibition while studying part-time. Each piece she paints is a reflection of her journey grounded in faith, resilience, and a strong belief that her purpose is bigger than herself. She hopes her art will not only be seen, but felt , reminding others of who they are, and who they come from.