Parekawa Finlay (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Whakatōhea) is a wāhine Māori artist, writer, and performer based in Te Whanganui‑a‑Tara. 

Her work is known for its political clarity, cultural grounding, and fierce commitment to whakapapa.

She has led major stage works with Taki Rua, 1st Gear Productions and Te Auaha, including Te Kuia me te Pungawere, Te Aka Tawhito, Hāpaitia, JIMMY, and her acclaimed solo piece Te Kaikohi / The Collector. 

On screen, she has led award‑winning short films such as Kōtiro, Whiti, and Follow the Light.

As a writer and director, Parekawa has created new works for Kia Mau Festival, Wellington Fringe, and TAHI Festival, often weaving activism, memory, and reclamation into bold theatrical forms. Her practice centres rangatahi, Māori futures, and the revitalisation of Māori theatre spaces, driving kaupapa that challenge, heal, and transform.