I was briefly mystified as to why it wouldn't be obvious that a long narrow land mass at this latitude would get a bit cold, then I remembered none of you can see where we are!
The format is carte de visite so it's quite likely that Mere Tawhara or her whanau commissioned it.
I'm surprised I can't find a whole lot more about these people because both mother and daughter are wearing fine clothes and are obviously high status. On the daughter we can see a satin ribbon and tartan dress as well as what looks like a kahukiwi which is one of the most prestigious cloaks. However they do appear on some family trees so they are probably known about.