Lisa’s healing and creative practice wrapped in mātauranga Māori led her to be the Toi Hono tutor at Toi Ora. She says stepping into the space felt like ‘a warm hug’.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Ko Te Weraiti tōku maunga,
Te Tainui tōku waka,
Ko Waihou tōku awa,
Ko Tangata tōku marae,
Ko Ngāti Tangata tōku hapu,
Ko Raukawa tōku Iwi,
Ko Chiray Xenmond Hayes Critchley tāku tamaiti,
Ko Lisa Critchley tōku ingoa.
I’m a creative wahine Māori who works across many kaupapa, supporting healing — for people, for the land, and for our whakapapa. My mahi is grounded in mātauranga (knowledge) Māori. At the heart of what I do is connection — to our taiao (nature), our tīpuna (ancestors), and each other.
I hold workshops in rongoā and harakeke weaving, helping people slow down, reconnect to nature, and remember who they are through their hands and senses. I also support whānau navigating tough systems, making sure they feel seen and heard.
Currently, I’m studying te reo Māori full-time, and recently rongoā Māori. I love being in spaces where creativity and wellbeing come together.
What drew you to Toi Ora and the role of Toi Hono tutor?
I had been manifesting a space like this — and with the guidance of my tūpuna and the universe, it came across my path. This role brings together everything I’ve been working toward in terms of wellbeing, sharing knowledge, and connecting through the taonga gifted to us by our Atua.
What’s your first impression of the role and Toi Ora?
The moment I walked into Toi Ora Studio, I felt the energy and vibrations. It was like walking into a big hug — I was instantly in awe of the space, the artists, the kaimahi and interns. I’m still processing that I actually work here and be creative too. How can one not be happy!
Do you practice art and creativity yourself?
It took me years to believe I was an artist. I am more of a tōtu — I love being creative. I’ve been sketching, drawing, and painting since I can remember. As I was getting wiser, I realised I missed it. I enrolled at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for painting and understanding Māori patterns, but ended up in a raranga (weaving) class — funny how things work out!
What role do you think kaupapa Māori programmes like Toi Hono play in healing and identity?
Kaupapa Māori Programmes like Toi Hono create safe, culturally rich spaces for healing and reconnection.
It’s not just about art — it’s about identity, about weaving ourselves back together through mātauranga Māori, tikanga, and aroha.
“Toi” speaks to expression of art, from its original source of knowledge and ancestral knowledge. “Hono” is the weaving — connecting people and taiao in a way that anchors identity and purpose.
Is there a whakataukī or piece of wisdom that guides you?
Mā te rongo, ka mōhio; mā te mōhio, ka mārama; mā te mārama, ka mātau; mā te mātau, ka ora.
Through listening comes knowledge, through knowledge comes understanding, through understanding comes wisdom, and through wisdom comes wellbeing.
I quite often say to our creatives, when you are out and about, always look for something happening in nature, eg, shapes or imprints on leaves, one leaf waving at you, birds playing around you, tuna playing in the creeks….it is all in the connection.
