Robin Slow (born. c. 1948) is a New Zealand painter of Maori art, based in Takaka, and a retired art teacher.

Early Life and Education
Slow was born in Wairau, Blenheim. A primary school lesson by visiting art teacher Cliff Whiting on the origins of Maori carving inspired his lifelong path. He completed high school in Christchurch, then worked as a commercial artist while earning his Diploma of Teaching with an art major from Christchurch Teachers’ College. He later married Rose, and they have two children.

Teaching Career
Slow began teaching in Twizel before taking a contract at Golden Bay High School, where he ultimately taught for 31 years. He faced early resistance to integrating Maori cultural elements like kowhaiwhai into the curriculum but persisted in doing so. He retired from the high school in 2013, but continues to teach informally at Onetahua Marae.

Art and Recognition
Despite teaching full-time, Slow painted prolifically, often at night, producing thousands of works. A family member organized his first exhibition in Wellington, leading to hundreds of solo and group shows across New Zealand. His collaborative exhibition Ng? Hau Ngakau toured the country. He has produced works for royal visits, including Queen Beatrix (2013) and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (2018).
Artistic Philosophy and Community Involvement
Slow’s art is steeped in Maori symbology and storytelling, often using birds as central figures. He sees interconnectedness as fundamental to Maori art and uses painting to interpret the world and his own unknown whakapapa (ancestry). He cites the Onetahua area and community elders, like Whero O Te Rangi Bailey, as significant influences.
Since 1991, Slow has collaborated extensively with the community at Onetahua Marae, producing murals, instruments, and carvings. He and his wife Rose were pivotal in building the wharenui Te Ao Marama, with Slow overseeing the design and layout of the meeting house.