In a post to social media, her family says she passed away peacefully after illness surrounded by whanau on Friday.

Kahukiwa's art was exhibited nationally and internationally and she's being remembered as a staunch supporter of Maori rights through her work.

They say she was a private person and always said: "her art spoke for her."

>> More Maori News

Other Maori News

11 May: Kiwi researchers are working to close an equity gap in Maori and Pasifika women's healthcare

09 May: Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka's welcoming a closer look into the Waitangi Tribunal's work/

08 May: ‘Utu’ as foreign policy: how a Maori worldview can make sense of a shifting world order

08 May: New research shows New Zealand's inflammatory bowel disease rates are expected to double in the next 20 years

03 May: Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says politics has become increasingly toxic for Maori women

30 Apr: Black Ferns wing Ruby Tui's relishing the addition of former New Zealand Maori player - and British and Irish Lion - Riki Flutey to the coaching staff ahead of this year's World Cup

29 Apr: Former Maori All Black and British and Irish Lion Riki Flutey has been added to the Black Ferns coaching group as they try to defend their World Cup this year in England

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Today's News

Law and Order:
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Law and Order:
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Education:
Former All Black Carlos Spencer has been named head coach of Terenure College in Ireland in their national schoolboy league on a three-year deal 13:47

International:
Filipinos in Australia vote online in midterms to decide future of Marcos and Duterte 13:37

Environment:
Volunteers are trying to locate a whale entangled in fishing gear in the top of the South Island 13:27

Living & Travel:
Tonga's domestic airline Lulutai faces uncertain future 13:07

Netball:
Mystics coach Tia Winikerei is excited by what their new shooter will bring to the team 13:07

Tennis:
Iga Swiatek's defence of her title at tennis' Italian Open is over after a third round defeat to Danielle Collins 12:27

Environment:
Let's have a look at the weather across the country this Mother's Day ... 11:57

International:
India has size, but Pakistan's military capabilities are closely matched 11:27

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