This practice is an ongoing act of world-building —
imagining kinder systems, slower lives,
and moments of magic hiding in plain sight.
Clients
Huia Publishers, Scholastic NZ, Ministry of Education, Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou, Lift Education, LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa), Women’s Refuge, WTF (Wear T-shirts Forever)
Zak Ātea (Te Ati Awa, Taranaki) is an award winning, published illustrator and storyteller based in Sydney Australia, originally from Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Working across illustration and narrative world-building.Her practice explores companionship, inner worlds, and the subtle magic found within everyday life, creating tender, atmospheric works that invite reflection and quiet connection. Applying both a worldly and Te Ao Māori lens, she utilises colour, texture and a mixed media approach to bring her visions to life.
Āteas work has been recognised both nationally and internationally, and has claimed many accolades and awards throughout a short time.
In 2022, Ātea graduated from Massey University, Wellington with a Bachelor of Visual Communication with First Class Honours.
Awards
PANZ Scholastic NZ award for best childrens’ book 2025 - The Dream Factory
Finalist Russel Clarke Award for Illustration, NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults - 2024, The Dream Factory
NZ Book lovers Award for Best Junior Fiction Book 2025 - Finalist
Kia Ora, lets connect!
Commission, prints or general kōrero, fill in the spaces and get in touch.
𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊