Rising Māori Artist Debuts Powerful Portrait Series At Aigantighe Art Gallery
Whakahōnore i tō tātou taonga tuku iho: Honouring our Legacy
The Aigantighe Art Gallery is proud to present Whakahōnore i tō tātou taonga tuku iho, the first solo public art gallery exhibition by Timaru-based photographer Maania Tealei (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha).
Opening 13 June 2025, this powerful exhibition highlights the strength, dignity, and enduring presence of kaumātua (Māori elders) across the Waitaha/Canterbury region.
Born and raised in Timaru and brought up by her grandparents, Tealei's work is deeply personal. Through 26 striking photographic portraits, she honours the kaumātua who have shaped her life and continue to guide whānau and hapori (community) today.
The portraits are taken in two parts: first in places of personal or ancestral meaning, and then in traditional Māori dress (kākahu) — offering a layered reflection of identity, whakapapa and belonging.
'This exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to our kaumātua, whose presence and wisdom continue to shape our communities and identities,' Aigantighe Exhibitions Curator Izzy Hillman said.
'It's also a reminder of how important it is to see Māori life, leadership and connection to whenua reflected in our public spaces.'
Whakahōnore i tō tātou taonga tuku iho is not only significant for Tealei's artistic career, but for Māori contemporary art in Aotearoa. It offers a rare and moving celebration of intergenerational knowledge and cultural strength from within our own communities.
Exhibition dates:
The exhibition opens Friday 13 June at 6pm with a kapa haka performance and light kai provided. It runs until 10 August 2025 at the Aigantighe Art Gallery, Timaru.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Herald
3 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Ostens' Christopher Yu's Scent Journey From Lower Hutt To Global Success
New Zealand-born, London-based Christopher Yu has launched some of the most important fragrance brands in the world. As he prepares to move home to Aotearoa, his story is told in six evocative scents. At the library bar of The NoMad hotel in London, Viva sets Christopher Yu the difficult
Otago Daily Times
5 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Cultures on show at Matariki event
Dancers become a blur of colour as the Clutha Filipino Society celebrates the fellowship of Pacific peoples during last year's Matariki event in Balclutha. PHOTO: NICK BROOK Clutha is celebrating Matariki in style next Thursday, giving South Otago people the opportunity to take a deep dive into the district's diverse cultures. The Puaka Matariki Iwikatea Cultural Celebration takes place at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au/Clutha District War Memorial community centre in Balclutha from 10am to 8pm next Thursday, comprising performances, feasting and workshops for all ages. Event spokeswoman Tiffany Jenks said organisers wanted to build on the success of last year's inaugural event, which had exceeded expectations. "We had so many people turn up last year, which was fantastic. We've changed the format slightly this year, replacing the market with a series of workshops showcasing and teaching traditional Māori cultural practices, so we hope this will be even more engaging for everyone who comes along." Workshops included taiaha/rākau combat/ceremonial techniques; Otago Museum's interactive star dome; harakeke (flax) weaving; toki (tool/ornament) making; Māori instrument playing; rongoā Māori medicinal plant use; and ngā taonga tākaro (Māori games). They would run between 3pm and 5pm. Spaces were limited, meaning interest should be registered early. "We're very excited to have the expertise from seven fabulous tutors at the Puaka Matariki event this year, and hope as many people as possible get the chance to take part." A Puaka Matariki arts and crafts competition was also running in parallel with the event, open to those 18 years old and under. The day would celebrate all cultures which had stepped up to take part. "The event is aimed at fostering a sense of community and inclusion and to provide a platform of local artists, performers and cultural groups to showcase their talents and heritage. "Alongside our Māori workshops and kapa haka from some of our local schools, we have representatives of our Filipino, Pasifika and Kiribati communities performing live for audiences. "We're looking forward to seeing everybody out together for this winter celebration."
Otago Daily Times
5 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Genre-spanning performance
Glyn MacDonald will lead Saturday's Dunedin Jazz Club performance with his trio, featuring vocalist Will Luhrs. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The Dunedin Jazz Club continues its autumn concert series this weekend with a showcase of contemporary jazz. Featured performers for the show, to be held this Saturday, from 7.30pm at Hanover Hall, will be the Glyn MacDonald Trio featuring Will Luhrs, who will present a combination of energetic instrumental work with Luhrs' smooth vocal stylings. Led by pianist and composer Glyn MacDonald, the Christchurch-based trio features bassist Luke Belcher and drummer Jono Blackie. Their sound blends jazz tradition with modern sensibilities, shaped by MacDonald's diverse musical experiences across Canada, Australia, and Aotearoa. The first half of the concert will highlight the trio's original compositions, before they team up with 18 year-old Luhrs for a series of genre-spanning arrangements. Saturday's performance will be a rare opportunity to see two generations of jazz talent together on stage, providing a rich and memorable musical experience. Tickets available via
