Matahi Brightwell | |
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.jpg) Brightwell in 2022 after being awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit | |
| Born | Gregory John Brightwell 22 July 1952 Masterton, New Zealand |
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| Occupation | Master carver |
| Known for | Reintroducing waka ama in New Zealand |
| Notable work | Sculpture of Ngātoro-i-rangi at Mine Bay, Lake Taupō |
Matahi Whakataka Brightwell ONZM (born Gregory John Brightwell; 22 July 1952) is a New Zealand master carver. He reintroduced the waka ama sport (outrigger canoe racing) in New Zealand.
His notable artworks include a sculpture in cliffside stone of Ngātoro-i-rangi at Mine Bay, Lake Taupō, carved from 1976 to 1980, which has been recognised as important to the district and local iwi. In 1985, he built the canoe Hawaikinui-1 in Tahiti, which he and others sailed to New Zealand to reflect Māori migration from Polynesia to New Zealand.