Warren Pohatu hails from the Ngai Tamanuhiri tribe of Muriwai, a rural community in the Gisborne region of New Zealand's North Island.

Warren aspired to educate and inspire people about the importance of culture and heritage through creative media.

Warren was one of 11 children of Rata and Mataiata Pohatu. As well as having links to Ngai Tamanuhiri iwi (tribe), he also has ties to Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata and Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki. He attended Muriwai School and Gisborne Boys' High School.

He started his career studying at the Wellington Polytechnic School of Design in 1980 and completed a three-year arts degree. His first job was hanging pictures and designing exhibition signs at the Wellington Art Gallery. He went on to work for creative agency, Saatchi & Saatchi, and on campaigns for Tip Top, Coca-Cola and McDonald's.

His legacy is carried on through his art, and in Maori genealogy books he wrote and illustrated. His books, often share stories about Maori myths and legends, had a visual style that inspired art teachers, students and communities throughout New Zealand.

His career as an artist spanned more than 30 years, with a portfolio of at least 100 artworks. For many decades, Warren researched stories, legends and the genealogy of his ancestors. This drove his passion for creative media and inspired him to create rich, vibrant artworks of contemporary media fused with traditional art.

Warren died of heart disease in 2014 and leaves behind four children - Warren, Chiqui, Kelly and Manaia.