Summary

Dahlina is a Niuean weaver, BFA graduate, and cultural practitioner based in South Auckland.

Her contemporary practice serves as a vital bridge between heritage and innovation, acting as a catalyst for younger generations to reconnect with their ancestral roots through the art of Niuean weaving. Deeply rooted in the intergenerational wisdom and traditional teachings of her Nana, Finemanogi, Dahlina’s work ensures that each piece carries the weight of memory, cultural identity, and familial lineage. For her, weaving is a living connection to ancestry and a profound act of storytelling. 

Dedicated to cultural preservation, Dahlina thoughtfully navigates the space where tradition meets modern expression. Her distinct artistic voice emerges through the intentional blending of time-honoured methods with contemporary materials. By integrating unexpected elements like plastic yarn alongside traditional coconut midrib, she creates innovative, tactile works that honour ancestral techniques while exploring entirely new textures, structural forms, and visual dialogues. Beyond the finished object, she focuses on the active documentation of her processes through video and archiving, ensuring these vital techniques and family narratives are safely held for future generations. Her practice highlights the dynamic transmission of cultural knowledge within a modern diaspora context. 

Ultimately, Dahlina’s practice is a testament to cultural resilience and adaptation. Through her ongoing studio work, documentation, and a proven history of solo and group exhibitions, she continues to leverage her technical skills and organisational