An original artwork, drawing on Ngā Hau e Whā – the four winds of Māori tradition – has been commissioned as the central concept for the 57th annual scientific congress of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).
RANZCO 2026 will take place at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, from Friday 6 to Monday 9 November 2026.
The artwork, created by artist Chloē Reweti, uses the four winds as a metaphor for the diversity of voices, perspectives and knowledge that make up the ophthalmic community. Within the piece, a series of manu tukutuku, traditional Māori kites, represent the collective aspirations of RANZCO’s clinicians, researchers, educators and patients. Manu means both kite and bird, while tukutuku refers to the winding out of the line as a kite ascends; traditionally, the kites carried cultural narratives and served as tools of observation, communication and connection.
Through toi Māori (Māori art), the design weaves together a narrative that reflects connection, collaboration and shared purpose
Reflecting Maori Values
The artwork reflects the Māori values of whanaungatanga (relationships and reciprocal responsibility) and kotahitanga (unity and collective purpose), values RANZCO said were central to its own mission of advancing eye health through collaboration, clinical excellence, research, education and advocacy.
Ms Reweti said the opportunity to work with the RANZCO congress team “was a privilege… translating their values into an artwork grounded in te ao Māori (the Māori world view)”.
“Through toi Māori (Māori art), the design weaves together a narrative that reflects connection, collaboration and shared purpose. I hope the artwork not only supports RANZCO’s aspirations but also offers people an opportunity to experience the richness and beauty of Māori storytelling in a meaningful and authentic way”.
The artwork, which will feature across Congress materials ahead of the event, forms part of RANZCO’s broader legacy commitment at this year’s Congress, which includes fundraising for Save the Kiwi.
Register to attend RANZCO Congress at ranzco2026.com/registration.
