Well-travelled artist a true 'southerner'

Otago Daily Times     08 January 2009

Peter Jean Caley might have exhibited his art around the world, including Dubai, the United States and < more >

Witarina lives on through portrait

The Daily Post, Rotorua     12 June 2008

Witarina Harris’ son Stuart looked into the painted eyes of his mother and cried. < more >

Portrait of centenarian unveiled in Rotorua

The Timaru Herald     12 June 2008

A Geraldine artist's work has been nationally unveiled. The portrait of Witarina Harris, QSM, < more >

Leading artist to exhibit work in Riversdale

Southland Times     14 July 2006

A painter whose work has been given to royals and is held in collections throughout the world is to be the guest artist at the Riversdale < more >

Earlier Clippings >>>

Portrait of centenarian unveiled in Rotorua

The Timaru Herald     12 June 2008

A Geraldine artist's work has been nationally unveiled.
The portrait of Witarina Harris, QSM, by Geraldine artist Peter Jean Caley was exclusively shown for the first time at the Ohinemutu Marae near Rotorua on Saturday.
Tonight the portrait will go on display for public viewing in Rotorua organised by the district council. Caley will be at the function as guest of honour.
Witarina Te Miriarangi Parewahaika Harris was a film star, entertainer, and public servant who died in June last year aged 101. As a teenager she took a lead role as Princess Miro in a movie called Devils Pit, filmed by Universal Pictures.
Caley was commissioned by Sir Howard Morrison to complete the portrait in January last year.
He spent five months working with the historic woman up to the time of her death, then completed the work late October.
Caley said it was customary to wait a year before the unveiling out of respect for the deceased.
He said the work had (been) described by Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters as a "New Zealand masterpiece" and would stay in the council chambers for the next few weeks.
It will then go on a hikoi with the final resting place yet to be decided.

by Bethany Marett