Kia ora, I’m Zena, the artist & wahine behind Dots On Rocks Aotearoa.

My journey into painting began with a deeply personal and emotional experience. After my dad passed away, I attended his tangi and stepped onto a marae for the very first time. That experience was transformative—it reconnected me with my Māori roots and opened a door to my culture that had been closed for the first 30 years of my life. Through this reconnection, I found healing, and my passion for art was reignited.

Dots On Rocks was officially founded when I moved to Ruatoria, but the seed for this creative journey was planted when my best friend and cousin, Leah, passed away. It was then that I discovered the power of art through a simple rock, and in managing my mental health, Fibromyalgia & Complex PTSD, I turned to painting as a source of healing. During my time in Ruatoria, this seed grew, and art became my therapy, my expression, and my way of connecting.

Now, I’ve moved back to Christchurch to take my art and business into a new chapter. I have a vision to grow a community of healing through the magic of art, and I’m excited to start teaching workshops, sharing my story, and helping others find peace and mindfulness through creativity. With a new home and studio underway, I’m filled with anticipation for the exciting times ahead.

Ngā mihi nui for being part of this journey!

Mauri ĀIO. Mauri Ora, Mauri Aroha
Zena

At Dots On Rocks Aotearoa, we believe healing starts with reconnecting to what truly matters. Whether you’re seeking peace after trauma, grieving a loss, or longing for joy and mindfulness, I am here to guide you through the transformative power of art. 

My vision is to grow a thriving community of healing and creativity, where art becomes a bridge to self-discovery, cultural roots, and wellness. Through bespoke mandala creations, engaging workshops, and meaningful shared experiences, I aspire to nurture the soul, inspire transformation, and create a space where mindfulness, healing, and unity can flourish and are celebrated. 
Together, we can create a legacy of connection that will endure for generations to come.

At Dots On Rocks Aotearoa, my mission is to bring healing, connection, and cultural pride to life through meaningful, soulful art. My journey with art began 20 years ago, after experiencing profound grief. Through that loss, I discovered the transformative power of art as a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and reconnection with what truly matters.
By blending traditional Māori artistry with contemporary techniques, I have helped countless whānau heal through bespoke creations, from memorial pieces honouring loved ones to artworks that become treasured symbols of peace and wellness. My work has been featured in local newspapers for its impact, including projects with tamariki in schools and donations to the Gisborne Hospice, where families grieving a loss can find comfort in my art and take a piece of that healing home with them.
I’ve facilitated corporate hauora workshops to nurture mindfulness in the workplace and created commissioned pieces for Women’s Refuge, where I had the honour of designing artwork to celebrate their 40-year milestone. 
Through these experiences, and my own, I strive to empower individuals and communities, using the transformative power of creativity to foster inner peace, cultural reconnection, and emotional wellbeing.