Talanoa Talks Of Pāsifika Futures At Art Show
Article – Craig Ashworth – Local Democracy Reporting
A Talanoa an in-depth conversation will run for three days at the districts Govett-Brewster Art Gallery as part of the exhibition : .
The future of Taranaki's Pāsifika communities is up for debate this weekend at New Plymouth's contemporary art museum.
A Talanoa – an in-depth conversation – will run for three days at the district's Govett-Brewster Art Gallery as part of the exhibition : .
Highlights include community cooking sessions and shared kai, artist presentations, workshops, youth and community-led talks and curatorial discussions on Pacific art practices.
The Gallery says the Talanoa explores 'how art, cultural practice, and collective dreaming can shape a vibrant future for Pasifika people in Taranaki and beyond.'
Govett Brewster director Zara Stanhope said : was showing new art created in the gallery alongside historical artworks, encouraging intergenerational storytelling.
Dr Stanhope said the exhibition was guided by Pacific public programme coordinator Theresa Tongi, Pacific curator-at-large Ruha Fifita, and the Gallery's Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Advisory Group.
Lalaga means to weave together, or woven, and the Talanoa was created in collaboration with Pacific artists, youth ambassadors and community leaders.
'The Talanoa sessions are a dynamic extension of our current exhibition, : , weaving together the exhibition artists and our community, aiming to deepen connections.'
The Gallery's public programs and learning lead Lleah Smith said the exhibition was a 'long-term initiative designed to deepen relationships between the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa creatives.'
She said it fostered 'collaboration, mutual support, and cultural exchange, making it essential for anyone… supporting and celebrating Pasifika art and culture,'
Like most Govett-Brewster events entry is free apart from the community-led kai on Saturday afternoon, which is $15.
: is open until 11 May
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Multi-Media Artist Maureen Lander Unites More Than 100 Makers For New Exhibition
Press Release – NPDC He Tukutuku Auahatanga is a release of knowledge gradually through creativity and invites audiences to explore concepts of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), whanaungatanga (relationship through shared experiences and working together), and whakapapa as … A major new exhibition opens at NPDC's Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre on 14 June, showcases large, collaborative fibre artworks connecting generations through the innovation and knowledge of traditional Māori weaving. He Tukutuku Auahatanga: Maureen Lander with Community, is led by multi-media artist Dr. Maureen Lander MNZM (Ngāpuhi, Te Hikutū) and brings together more than 100 weavers, school children, environmental leaders, and makers from across Taranaki and Aotearoa New Zealand. He Tukutuku Auahatanga is 'a release of knowledge gradually through creativity' and invites audiences to explore concepts of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), whanaungatanga (relationship through shared experiences and working together), and whakapapa as expressed through raranga (weaving). Maureen is celebrated internationally for her innovative use of Māori weaving techniques to create large contemporary artworks, inextricably interwoven with the location, context and community for which her works are created. Four of the installations connect to works she has shown in the gallery over the past four decades, the earliest of which is the group exhibition Te Ao Hurihuri in 1987. One installation revisits the unique collection of kete iti (small kete) from Puke Ariki Museum that Maureen first became acquainted with in 1987. They will be feature alongside more than 100 new kete made by 32 weavers. Ngā Puna Waiora, was made by Maureen in 1993 with tamariki and staff at Te Pi'ipi'inga Kākano Mai I Rangiātea Kura Kaupapa Māori, local weavers and whānau (family) has been recreated with the new iteration drawing together student environmental leaders from several local schools in the Te Ara Taiao programme, to enhance the mauri (life force or essence) and ecology of the whenua, awa and moana. 'I am delighted that our next generations are growing the seeds that were sown 32 years ago in the Ngā Puna Waiora oTaranaki Maunga installation,' says Maureen. 'A new group of tamariki are showcasing how these ideas can be developed and translated into a visible art form that threads together their research, creativity, learning and kaitiangatanga (care) for te taiao (the environment).' Each student has expressed their aspiration for the health and well-being of their local awa by painting on 'mauri stones' that are integral parts of the installation. 'Maureen, in the role of the lead artist, has conceptualised the overall composition and vocabulary of each of the five collaborative installations on display, providing instructions to her collaborators that determine the size, technique and form of their contributions,' says exhibition curator Taarati Taiaroa (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Apa). Gallery director Dr Zara Stanhope says the exhibition recognises Maureen's role as a mentor and collaborator with makers of all generations. 'This is a deeply significant exhibition for the Govett-Brewster for both honouring the artist and the innovations that she encourages, and Maureen's ongoing collaborative relations that have drawn in new generations of makers.' Opening day activities include the youth environmental leaders talking about their work (10.30am), artist-led tours from 1pm and at 2.30pm five of the artists will be involved in the kete iti kaupapa in conversation session. Visitors are also invited to become 'star weavers' as part of the Star Waka installation, gifting their creation and choosing another's to take home in an act of reciprocity and remembrance. The exhibition opening perfectly aligns with Matariki me Puanga season, when the appearance of Puanga signals gathering, remembrance and looking to the year ahead. He Tukutuku Auahatanga: Maureen Lander with Community runs 14 June to 12 October 2025. Go to our website for more information. FAST FACTS He Tukutuku Auahatanga: Maureen Lander with Community features the work of about 70 Taranaki tamariki (9-12 years) from Devon Intermediate, Te Pi'ipi'nga Kakano Mai I Rangiātea Kura Kaupapa Māori, Welbourn School, Central School, Tikorangi School, Omata School, He Mokopuna He Tupuna, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tamarongo. Taranaki weavers whose work is featured include: Mako Jones, Audra Potaka, Tara-lee Manu, Ngahina Hohaia, Ngahina Wharehoka, Sally Hikaka, Karen Clark, Kim Kahu, Joanne Ngaia. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery opened in 1970, funded by a bequest from local woman Monica Brewster (nee Govett). Around 85,000 people visit the gallery each year. The gallery presents a regularly changing programme of contemporary art exhibitions, events and conversations. It also runs an art and design store, independent cinema, and publishes a range of art books.
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Multi-Media Artist Maureen Lander Unites More Than 100 Makers For New Exhibition
A major new exhibition opens at NPDC's Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre on 14 June, showcases large, collaborative fibre artworks connecting generations through the innovation and knowledge of traditional Māori weaving. He Tukutuku Auahatanga: Maureen Lander with Community, is led by multi-media artist Dr. Maureen Lander MNZM (Ngāpuhi, Te Hikutū) and brings together more than 100 weavers, school children, environmental leaders, and makers from across Taranaki and Aotearoa New Zealand. He Tukutuku Auahatanga is 'a release of knowledge gradually through creativity' and invites audiences to explore concepts of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), whanaungatanga (relationship through shared experiences and working together), and whakapapa as expressed through raranga (weaving). Maureen is celebrated internationally for her innovative use of Māori weaving techniques to create large contemporary artworks, inextricably interwoven with the location, context and community for which her works are created. Four of the installations connect to works she has shown in the gallery over the past four decades, the earliest of which is the group exhibition Te Ao Hurihuri in 1987. One installation revisits the unique collection of kete iti (small kete) from Puke Ariki Museum that Maureen first became acquainted with in 1987. They will be feature alongside more than 100 new kete made by 32 weavers. Ngā Puna Waiora, was made by Maureen in 1993 with tamariki and staff at Te Pi'ipi'inga Kākano Mai I Rangiātea Kura Kaupapa Māori, local weavers and whānau (family) has been recreated with the new iteration drawing together student environmental leaders from several local schools in the Te Ara Taiao programme, to enhance the mauri (life force or essence) and ecology of the whenua, awa and moana. 'I am delighted that our next generations are growing the seeds that were sown 32 years ago in the Ngā Puna Waiora oTaranaki Maunga installation,' says Maureen. 'A new group of tamariki are showcasing how these ideas can be developed and translated into a visible art form that threads together their research, creativity, learning and kaitiangatanga (care) for te taiao (the environment).' Each student has expressed their aspiration for the health and well-being of their local awa by painting on 'mauri stones' that are integral parts of the installation. 'Maureen, in the role of the lead artist, has conceptualised the overall composition and vocabulary of each of the five collaborative installations on display, providing instructions to her collaborators that determine the size, technique and form of their contributions,' says exhibition curator Taarati Taiaroa (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Apa). Gallery director Dr Zara Stanhope says the exhibition recognises Maureen's role as a mentor and collaborator with makers of all generations. 'This is a deeply significant exhibition for the Govett-Brewster for both honouring the artist and the innovations that she encourages, and Maureen's ongoing collaborative relations that have drawn in new generations of makers.' Opening day activities include the youth environmental leaders talking about their work (10.30am), artist-led tours from 1pm and at 2.30pm five of the artists will be involved in the kete iti kaupapa in conversation session. Visitors are also invited to become 'star weavers' as part of the Star Waka installation, gifting their creation and choosing another's to take home in an act of reciprocity and remembrance. The exhibition opening perfectly aligns with Matariki me Puanga season, when the appearance of Puanga signals gathering, remembrance and looking to the year ahead. He Tukutuku Auahatanga: Maureen Lander with Community runs 14 June to 12 October 2025. Go to our website for more information. FAST FACTS He Tukutuku Auahatanga: Maureen Lander with Community features the work of about 70 Taranaki tamariki (9-12 years) from Devon Intermediate, Te Pi'ipi'nga Kakano Mai I Rangiātea Kura Kaupapa Māori, Welbourn School, Central School, Tikorangi School, Omata School, He Mokopuna He Tupuna, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tamarongo. Taranaki weavers whose work is featured include: Mako Jones, Audra Potaka, Tara-lee Manu, Ngahina Hohaia, Ngahina Wharehoka, Sally Hikaka, Karen Clark, Kim Kahu, Joanne Ngaia. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery opened in 1970, funded by a bequest from local woman Monica Brewster (nee Govett). Around 85,000 people visit the gallery each year. The gallery presents a regularly changing programme of contemporary art exhibitions, events and conversations. It also runs an art and design store, independent cinema, and publishes a range of art books.
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Concerns over viability of new venue build
Casting aside Dunedin's Mayfair Theatre from being in contention for council funds for redevelopment could hold back performing arts in the city, a representative has warned. The Dunedin City Council favours supporting a multi-venue package that includes construction of a new theatre and does not include upgrading the 400-seat Mayfair Theatre. The approach backed by the council depends on substantial community fundraising and Mayfair Theatre Charitable Trust chairman Geoff Patton doubts a viable path has been chosen. Mr Patton said there was a lot of uncertainty about the proposal to push ahead with a new performing arts venue, for which the council allocated $9.5million for 2030-31 within its nine-year plan. About $20m would need to come from other sources — but likely more — if the council did not chip in more itself. "My worry is, it's going to suck so much money out of the arts' supporters to build the theatre," Mr Patton said. "If it's going to replace the Mayfair, it has to be able to do everything the Mayfair does now and be better." Backing the Mayfair instead would be cheaper and arts money might then be available to support performances, he suggested. The city council included $17.1m all up in its 2025-34 long-term plan for what was described as cornerstone or seed funding for upgrading the Playhouse Theatre and Athenaeum building and the idea of a new venue. The package pencilled into the plan last week followed years of debate about what should be done after the 2018 closure of the professional Fortune Theatre company. Stage South was set up after the closure to foster and promote the sustainability of professional theatre in Otago and Southland and it was one group critical of the Mayfair's limitations. Councillors were told ahead of long-term plan hearings last month, consideration of further investment into the Mayfair would be a mistake and the converted picture theatre was "fundamentally unfit as a 21st century performing arts venue". Problems included an inflexible stage, poor acoustics for the spoken word, inadequate access and the building was damp and aged, the Stage South submission said. The ethos behind a new build was outlined on the group's website. "All should feel welcome: amateurs and professionals, Māori and [Pasifika] groups, disabled performers and audience members, dance, opera and touring companies, musicians, schools, children's and musical theatre. Two dedicated performance spaces maximises return, and a new build ensures that 21st century technology is incorporated right from the start." The Mayfair had been part of a combined pitch to the council alongside the Playhouse and Athenaeum venues for refurbishment funds, but it fell out of the picture this year. The council had pushed for the theatre sector to arrive at a consensus about what was needed. A statement of intent came out of a collective known as the Performing Arts Group in January — a new build was in and the Mayfair was essentially absent. "Had I been involved with that or even shown the draft before it was sent, I would simply have said, 'well, I disagree'," Mr Patton said. "Don't call it a consensus when it's not." There were then efforts to discredit the Mayfair through submissions to the council, he said. "You can do that if you want to, but you actually need to give the Mayfair credit for what it does. "On virtually no money, we've kept that theatre going." It was well-used, particularly for musicals. Plans existed for new toilets, installing a lift and replacing the roof. "From now going forward, nothing will happen, because we've been told that to get any sort of substantial fundraising for something like this, a redevelopment, that we will need council backing," Mr Patton said. "And if you don't have council backing, you won't get it."
