mandy patmore

Mandy Patmore is a multi-media environmental artist who lives in Karekare, on Auckland’s west coast. She has a passionate relationship with her local environment and her work reflects this; looking at the past, present and future of our land, and human interactions with it. Primarily a painter, Patmore's current work focuses largely on deforestation and habitat loss in New Zealand, and the plight of many endangered native species, whilst exploring themes of colonisation and human impact on our landscape.

In 2009 she was the lead artist on the Piha domain footbridge, which won the NZ Recreation Association Award for most outstanding project. The aim of this arts bridge was to create more understanding of our endangered endemic long finned eel, and educate the public about the incredible journey of this creature and highlight the concerns about its decline.  In 2019, she managed a hugely successful research project on Pekapeka tou roa – Long Tailed Bats, linking artists with scientists; curating an exhibition in response to the project. Her work aims to use art as a tool for social change.

Patmore has worked in the arts industry for the last 20 years; as a freelance artist, Arts Educator, Musician, Event Manager, Project Manager, and as an Environmental Arts Coordinator for Auckland Council.  She has created and project managed a huge amount large scale events and art projects, including what is thought to be Auckland’s largest community mural, involving over 1000 members of the public.

Patmore is based at Corban Estate Arts Centre, where she is the Creative Director of Kākano Youth Arts Collective -  a unique visual arts programme, which works with young artists aged between 13 and 20 who have struggled in mainstream education, many of whom are also involved in the justice system. Patmore began Kākano in 2013 as a pilot programme, and it has since developed into a hugely successful initiative which has transformed many young lives, assisting rangatahi to develop their studio practice, self-esteem and self-worth, and move their lives in a positive new direction. In March 2021, the Collective took a further step in opening the Kākano Gallery, a space run by the young people, which is aiming to transform a community.  In 2019 Patmore was awarded a New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award for her work with Kākano.