Shane Te Ruki

Shane belongs to the tribes Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Porou. He's an artist by his own definition. He is acknowlged by his tribesmen of Ngati Maniapoto as a source of Maori traditions; ancient songs and chants, and oratory. His wife Tania, Shane and their two children Ariahuia and Hawaiki, live in the King Country haven of Waitomo Caves; they are Shane's source of inspiration. It is from this place that Shane looks out and sees the world around him and shares his gifts; gifts of the puna range.

Puna is the Maori word for a spring, from which earth bound waters escape to this world above. The emerging waters bring life; water is the very blood of creation and creativity.

In much the same way, the Puna range has been created. Each piece of the Puna range emerged from within Shane, as a fusion of notions, concepts, and messages, to be released and revealed in new forms.