WATCH: An extraordinary piece of ngā toi Māori isn't just inspiring awe and reflection from New Zealanders, it's proving a connecting kaupapa for indigenous people from across the globe.
This video is made with the support of NZ on Air Public Interest Journalism Fund.
A work of art can speak different things to different viewers.
But it's at its most powerful when it brings a sense of collective connection.
After a three-year labour of love, husband and wife collaborators Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole have been enjoying the fruits of their impressive Wharenui Harikoa, sharing in people's reaction to the crocheted, glow-in-the-dark jaw dropper currently on display at Waikato Museum.
After the heavy emotional load of bringing this mahi to light, what's transpired since its opening has been groundbreaking for those who have visited it.
That includes a group of Native American scholars, culture bearers and community leaders from the Sacred Places Institute (SPI) for Indigenous Peoples, who are in Aotearoa as part of a Land rematriation Fellowship. The universality of the Indigenous empowerment theme has left its mark on them, and many others.
The wharenui's journey is just beginning, with the Robinson-Coles looking for the right avenues to share this important piece across the nation - and across oceans. They're open to bringing others on board the waka and becoming part of sharing the joy it creates.