John Puhiatau Pule is one of the foremost leading contemporary artists and poets of Niue and Aotearoa. Born in the village of Liku, Niue, John Pule moved to New Zealand with his family in 1964. He has lived most of his adult life in Aotearoa NZ, and recently returned to Niue where he is now based.
Pule has published two novels, four books of poems, and co-wrote a study of a traditional Niuean artform, Hiapo. He began painting in 1987, participating in the first important exhibitions to showcase Pacific Island art, and numerous solo shows. He has participated at numerous international art biennales, artist residencies and writing fellowships.
He received an Arts Foundation Laureate Award in 2004 and in 2012 he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services as an author, poet and painter.
