Ngäi Tahu Exhibition Opening At Te Papa

3 July 2006

Ngäi Tahu Exhibition Opening At Te Papa

Mö Tätou – The Ngäi Tahu Whänui Exhibition
Mö tätou, ä, mö kä uri, ä murï ake nei. For us and our children after us.

Mö Tätou – The Ngäi Tahu Whänui Exhibition, an exhibition that tells the story of the distinct and dynamic culture of the South Island's Ngāi Tahu people opens on Saturday 8 July 2006 at Te Papa. Developed in partnership with Ngäi Tahu, the exhibition celebrates the past and present, and invites visitors to learn about Ngāi Tahu values, and share their vision for the future through taonga (treasures), photographs, audiovisual displays, and art.

After eighteen months in development, Mö Tätou will be officially opened at a dramatic dawn ceremony. Up to 1,500 Ngäi Tahu representatives and whānau are expected to travel from all over New Zealand to be welcomed onto Te Papa’s marae.

“This is an important and very special occasion for Ngāi Tahu. It will be another defining moment in the tribe’s history to have so many of our people and taonga together in one place at one time,” said Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere (Chairman) Mark Solomon.

Underpinning the exhibition are four cultural values drawn from the tribal saying, ‘Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei. For us and our children after us’. These principles of Toitü te iwi (Culture); Toitü te rangatiratanga (Tenacity); Toitü te aö türoa (Sustainability), and Toitü te pae tawhiti (Innovation) reflect the contemporary understanding of their past and future. From the whänui’s creation story to their most important taonga (treasures), to their representation on the world art stage, Mö Tätou presents the journey of the Ngāi Tahu Whānui who have survived and progressed from near-decimation to tribal autonomy and self-reliance.

Te Papa’s Chief Executive Dr Seddon Bennington said, “We have enjoyed working closely with Ngäi Tahu to bring their stories and taonga to Te Papa. We warmly welcome the whänui from Te Waipounamu (the South Island), and look forward to further opportunities to learn and work together through this magnificent exhibition.”

Mark Solomon said, “I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work done by Te Papa to bring together the Mō Tātou exhibition and also the Ngāi Tahu Iwi Steering Group, led by Rakiihia Tau, that has worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Also the rūnanga and whānau members that have made available their precious taonga and time and effort to make this a success.”

For the duration of the exhibition Ngäi Tahu kaumätua (elders), Kukupa Tirakatene and Maruhaeremuri Stirling, will be in residence at Te Papa to undertake ceremonial duties on Te Papa’s marae.

The opening weekend of Mö Tätou – The Ngäi Tahu Whänui Exhibition features a line-up of free events and entertainment. See the attached programme for details.

Mö Tätou – The Ngäi Tahu Whänui
Mö tätou, ä, mö kä uri, ä murï ake nei. For us and our children after us.
Opening 8 July.
Level 4. Free entry.

MÖ TÄTOU – THE NGÄI TAHU WHÄNUI EXHIBITION OPENING WEEKEND EVENTS PROGRAMME
Free entry.

8 & 9 July: Ngäi Tahu Whänui opening events! Enjoy fantastic free events this weekend to welcome Ngäi Tahu Whänui to Te Papa with the opening of their Mö Tatou – The Ngäi Tahu Whänui Exhibition. See inspiring traditional Mäori performance with Te Ahikaaroa Kapa Haka, contemporary Ngäi Tahu singer/songwriters Hinemoana Baker with Christine White, and musical collaboration between Ariana Tikao and Shane Bolingford. Experience traditional

Mäori weaving demonstrations, Mahi Raranga. Plus much more for the whole family to experience! Visit our website www.tepapa.govt.nz or call (04) 381 7000 for details. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. All free entry.

Saturday 8 July

11am–12noon. Te Ahikaaroa Kapa Haka performance. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Free entry.
12 noon–2.30pm. Ngäi Tahu Whänui Opening Weekend Concert. Includes performances by Hinaki featuring Ariana Tikao and Shane Bolingford, Timua Brennan, Hinemoana Baker, and the Croft Sisters. Te Marae , Level 4. Free entry.
3.30pm–4.30pm. Te Ahikaaroa Kapa Haka performance. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Free entry.

Sunday 9 July
10am–4pm. Mahi Raranga (Weaving demonstrations), including floortalks at 12noon-12.30pm and 2.00pm-3.00pm. Te Marae , Level 4. Free entry.

11am–12noon. Te Ahikaaroa Kapa Haka performance. Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Free entry.

1.00pm-2.00pm: Mö Tatou – The Ngäi Tahu Whänui Exhibition Floortalk. Join Exhibition Curator Megan Tamati-Quennell for a floor talk in the exciting new exhibition Mö Tätou – The Ngäi Tahu Whänui Exhibition. Level 4. Free entry.

ENDS

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