Ngapuhi Festival 2014

25 and 26 January
Iconic Hongi Hika poster available at this weekend’s Ngapuhi Festival

An iconic poster of a painting depicting the great Ngapuhi rangatira Hongi Hika has been produced for this weekend’s Ngapuhi Festival in Kaikohe.

The painting, by acclaimed Ngapuhi artist Allen Wihongi, was the highpoint of the 2012 Toi Ngapuhi exhibition, held during the last Ngapuhi Festival.

Said Te Runanga-a-iwi-o Ngapuhi Chairman, Raniera (Sonny) Tau: “This artwork is a truly stunning treatment of a carved self-portrait by Hongi Hika, now held in the Auckland Museum.

“Following the 2012 Toi Ngapuhi, many Ngapuhi have talked about how inspired and moved they were by Allen’s painting. Therefore we have decided to have it made into a poster, so that all Ngapuhi can share this magnificent contemporary impression of our great leader."

Mr Tau said Hongi Hika was a visionary and strategist extraordinaire, who recognised opportunities for Ngapuhi. “Ngapuhi remember him as our most influential leader, who unified Ngapuhi hapu. This painting and poster commemorates that."

One thousand posters have been printed, and are on sale for $20 each. They come in cardboard cylinders for protection. The posters will be on sale at Toi Ngapuhi (in the Northland College gymnasium) and at the Runanga tent on both days of Ngapuhi Festival 2014, on Saturday 25 January and Sunday 26 January.

ENDS

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