Dr Benjamin Pittman (Ngāpuhi, Te Parawhau) is a painter and one of the first Bachelors (1971) and Masters of Fine Arts (1977) degree graduates from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland. He is also the first-ever Māori graduate with both degrees. His interests as a painter and muralist, reflect the land, environment and the people. Benjamin is active in Te Tiriti o Waitangi claims for Te Parawhau and is a great-great-grandson of the Ngāti Hao o Ngāpuhi chief, Patuone, older brother of Tamati Waka Nene. He has also been involved in education, training and development since 1970, teaching at senior secondary, industry and university level.