The focus of Derek’s work is first and foremost in his connection to home, to Tairāwhiti, the Marae and in his role as Ahorangi Professor and mentor at Toihoukura, School of Visual Arts Maori, in Gisborne.

Oh By The Way he travels with the Aotearoa (New Zealand) Olympic Rugby Team and has helped them design and perform the HAKA!!!!! HE IS AN AMAZING PERSON.

Professor Derek Lardelli is regarded as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s finest exponents of the arts and has been prominent in explaining and promoting Māori arts to audiences in New Zealand, the Pacific and around the world. Derek continues to promote language revitalization within an arts context, portraying a future pathway for our youth.