About Us

About us

Opeke Art & Design is a Māori-owned creative practice woven from whakapapa, culture, and community. Kaihautū Toi (Creative Director) Ko Sheree Paerau Emery Wills, a Cook Islands Māori (Aitutaki) and New Zealand Māori (Ngāti Raukawa, Maniapoto, Ngāpuhi, Kahungunu, and Tūhoe). Sheree was raised in Otara for 10 years, then later moved to Mt Roskill in Auckland, and proudly lived in Aitutaki for 8 years. She now is a local of Shannon and proudly takes part in art workshops for her community. Accompanying her work in the gallery is a local from Shannon, Ko Heta Wills (Ngāti Raukawa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa). They focus on tropical art of the Pacific, which brings the studio to life with meaningful artworks and designs drawn from their rich Polynesian heritage. Every artwork and design piece carries the essence of our whenua and our people. We create with intention — honouring the stories of our ancestors while speaking to contemporary collectors who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural connection.

Our thoughts

At Opeke, design is a form of storytelling. We honour whakapapa and celebrate the beauty of being unapologetically indigenous—Māori & Kūki ‘Āirani and other pacific origin lands like Tahiti & Rarotonga.

Whether you're curating your home, gifting with purpose, or collaborating on a custom piece, our mahi uplifts mana, protects wairua, and brings your story to life.

Cultural Anchors  
Whakataukī (Māori):  
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.  
My strength is not that of a single warrior, but that of many.

Peu Kūki ‘Āirani (Cook Islands proverb):  
E mea rikiriki te au mea meitaki.  
Good things come in small packages.

These proverbs guide our creative process—reminding us that even the smallest detail can carry deep meaning, and that our strength lies in community, whakapapa, and shared vision.