Hungarian refugee Lili Kraus, who lived in New Zealand after the Second World War, played concerts in remote rural areas and helped professional musician’s source good quality instruments.
Michael Parekowhai, He Korero Purakau mo Te Awanui o Te Motu story of a New Zealand river, 2011 Photo: Te Papa
In 1959 she wrote a message on a Steinway piano - and that piano went on to become part of artist Michael Parekowhai's contribution to the 2011 Venice Biennale.
Now Michael's big sister Cushla has looked into Lili's life and her contribution to this country's cultural scene over many years and sharing her research at a talk at Te Papa.
Cushla Parekowhai talks to Lynn Freeman.