‘Identity is a malleable notion that is determined by the context of one’s upbringing. Of course genealogy is an indispensable factor’.

'I have suggested that "I am a Maori and it is coincidental that I am an artist". This deliberate inversion of Ralph Hotere’s famous edict that "I am a Maori by birth and upbringing. As far as my work is concerned this is coincidental" is not a criticism of Hotere’s position as an artist, but rather a statement of my commitment to making a contribution to Maori culture beyond my practice as an artist. For me personally this commitment is a cultural obligation.’ - Robert Jahnke