In 2014 Lissy met Rudi Robinson, her husband and collaborator-to-be. Gearing up for their wedding in 2017, they dedicated their future artistic partnership to their ancestors and the universe. Their subsequent major work, Wharenui Harikoa, is a large-scale crocheted wharenui that aims to manifest intergenerational healing and deeply felt joy, one loop at a time. Connecting all people and igniting joy globally. The plans for this work include traveling throughout Aotearoa and the world, creating a global impact of aroha.

What does leadership look like to you?

It means you lead from a place of aroha. When you are led by heart, the right decisions are made at the right time for the greater good. Through aroha, a way can always be made.

How does your community show up in your practice?

In every way our community has shown up, through the awhi and tautoko of our whānau and the wider community. At the heart of it is people. In the sharing of our kaupapa of joy and aroha, the energy has exponentially grown and global connections have been forged. Our ‘buy a ball’ campaign has shown us the impact of the mahi and how people have connected to this kaupapa which has been mostly through pain, loss, and grief. The messages of love and support have been immense. Aroha and connection is a universal message that people are hungry to be a part of. Radical expressions of indigenous pride and love have brought many of our community to Wharenui Harikoa which is a place of deep aroha, safety, and warmth, giving us a space to celebrate who we are and our process of healing.