Manu Smith

Maori legends

Manu Smith experienced with illustrating books and materials on Maori legends. Manu Smith has been illustrating legends for over twenty years and his work has been included in over 70 books as well as a range of other materials including phone cards, posters and calendars.

Studied graphic design at the Auckland Technical Institute

Manu Smith was born in Auckland and raised in the Hokianga and South Auckland. Manu belonged to the Te Aupouri tribe of the far north. Manu Smith studied graphic design at the Auckland Technical Institute and has worked for a number of advertising agencies. At present Manu Smith operates a successful freelance design business.

Children's publications

His beautiful images for local children’s publications meld aspects of everyday life with mythical themes and characters. Manu Smith created many titles in collaboration with Ron Bacon and Waiatarua Publishing, illustrating thirty-two books interpreting traditional Maori myths the last of these were published in 2005.
Manu Smith passed away in 2005 at the age of forty-six.

More information

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