Photo: Tourism NZ
We d started outside the Te Wharewaka o Poneke (waka house) a vast building in the shape of a traditional cloak. Our vision is to return a strong Maori presence to the waterfront, says Taupuruariki Brightwell, one of our guides for the two-hour waka tour.
Maori culture is experiencing a revival, but nowhere is it more obvious than in the nation s capital. The new Te Tauihu te reo Maori policy - named after the ornately carved figurehead of a waka - aims to make Wellington a Maori language city by 2040, the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi.
During the rebuilding phase of the space, many of the works went out into the community and were taken care of by kaitiaki in their homes. The exhibition will see them back together and installed in two/fiftyseven, guiding the kaupapa of all who work, visit and play there. “Inspiration flows naturally in this magical space, there is freedom of expression in the air,” Kiel said. Alongside the panels, Grace-Smith, Kiel and Hall have also created a collaborative mural piece. The exhibition also includes a selection of original artworks and prints from featured artists that Mashuko Aotearoa has curated, plus new work by Mike Tupaea and Janine Williams from TMD Crew.
Wellington scoop co nz » Celebrating the return of 16 panels scoop.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from scoop.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.