Latest news with #Tainui
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Exhibitions Celebrate Waikato's Public Art And Pioneering Maaori Artist
Press Release – Hamilton City Council Inside Out is open to the public at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery from 16 May to 5 October 2025 and entry is free. Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi is open from 16 May to 7 September 2025 and entry is free. He Mai Mai Aroha Kia Fred Graham' E te maatanga toi ote ao Maaori takoto! Kua mutu to hikoitanga ite mata ote whenua oou Tuupuna Maatua Haere atu raa. E kore e mutu te tangi mou. Kei te tuu tonu ana oou taonga hanga nei koe ete matua hurinoa ki te Ao katoa! Kaati a tera waahi mou E moe! A celebration of Waikato's public art and a powerful painting retrospective are the two new exhibitions opening this week at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery. 'Inside Out' showcases the region's landmark sculptures through photographs alongside smaller-scale works by the same artists. The exhibition has been curated by Te Whare Taonga's Gina Matchitt and includes work by the legendary Tainui artist Fred Graham, who passed away last week aged 97. 'Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi' celebrates pioneering Maaori artist Robyn Kahukiwa, who passed away recently aged 87. The exhibition is developed and toured by The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata, in partnership with Te Manawa Museum. 'We are buzzing with excitement to share these two new exhibitions,' said Liz Cotton, Director of Museum and Arts. ' Inside Out will take our visitors from the bold outdoor landmarks we all recognise from around the region, to the intimacy of a gallery setting with insights to the process of developing larger-than-life scale work. 'It's fascinating to see how an iconic public artwork, like Chris Booth and Diggeress Te Kanawa's 'Ngā Uri o Hinetuparimaunga' located at the entrance to Hamilton Gardens, relates directly to an exquisite feathered korowai and to a dramatic installation in the Museum's largest gallery space. 'As well as work by Fred Graham, Chris Booth, and Diggeress Te Kanawa, Inside Out also features the artists Dion Hitchens, Lonnie Hutchinson, Bob Jahnke, Eugene Kara, and Para Matchitt. 'We've also created the 'Inside Out Road Trip' with a custom Google Maps itinerary so that you can continue a self-lead adventure visiting the public art featured in our exhibition.' Regarding the exhibition Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi, Cotton acknowledges the poignant timing of this tribute to one of Aotearoa New Zealand's trailblazing artists: 'In light of Robyn's passing, there is a deeper resonance to Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi and the decades of her artwork on display. Her mahi has become an alternate visual rendering of Aotearoa's history, through the lens of a Maaori woman. It is an honour to share this nationwide touring exhibition with our communities here in Hamilton Kirikiriroa.' Robyn Kahukiwa has iwi affiliations to Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Konohi, and Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare. As well as powerful paintings that interweave art and politics, she also wrote and illustrated award-winning children's books, including collaborating with writer Patricia Grace. In 2020, Creative New Zealand named Kahukiwa as the Supreme Award winner at the 34th Te Waka Toi Awards in recognition of her extensive career as a painter, illustrator, sculptor and author, as well as her unyielding political and cultural commentary. Inside Out is open to the public at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery from 16 May to 5 October 2025 and entry is free. Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi is open from 16 May to 7 September 2025 and entry is free. Please note For te reo Maaori, Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery uses double vowels (uu) in place of vowels with a macron (ū) to represent a long vowel sound. This spelling approach is the preference of tangata whenua in Hamilton Kirikiriroa and Waikato iwi for te reo Maaori words. Artists' titles are shown in their original form.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Exhibitions Celebrate Waikato's Public Art And Pioneering Maaori Artist
He Mai Mai Aroha Kia Fred Graham' E te maatanga toi ote ao Maaori takoto! Kua mutu to hikoitanga ite mata ote whenua oou Tuupuna Maatua Haere atu raa. E kore e mutu te tangi mou. Kei te tuu tonu ana oou taonga hanga nei koe ete matua hurinoa ki te Ao katoa! Kaati a tera waahi mou E moe! A celebration of Waikato's public art and a powerful painting retrospective are the two new exhibitions opening this week at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery. 'Inside Out' showcases the region's landmark sculptures through photographs alongside smaller-scale works by the same artists. The exhibition has been curated by Te Whare Taonga's Gina Matchitt and includes work by the legendary Tainui artist Fred Graham, who passed away last week aged 97. 'Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi' celebrates pioneering Maaori artist Robyn Kahukiwa, who passed away recently aged 87. The exhibition is developed and toured by The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata, in partnership with Te Manawa Museum. 'We are buzzing with excitement to share these two new exhibitions,' said Liz Cotton, Director of Museum and Arts. ' Inside Out will take our visitors from the bold outdoor landmarks we all recognise from around the region, to the intimacy of a gallery setting with insights to the process of developing larger-than-life scale work. 'It's fascinating to see how an iconic public artwork, like Chris Booth and Diggeress Te Kanawa's 'Ngā Uri o Hinetuparimaunga' located at the entrance to Hamilton Gardens, relates directly to an exquisite feathered korowai and to a dramatic installation in the Museum's largest gallery space. 'As well as work by Fred Graham, Chris Booth, and Diggeress Te Kanawa, Inside Out also features the artists Dion Hitchens, Lonnie Hutchinson, Bob Jahnke, Eugene Kara, and Para Matchitt. 'We've also created the 'Inside Out Road Trip' with a custom Google Maps itinerary so that you can continue a self-lead adventure visiting the public art featured in our exhibition.' Regarding the exhibition Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi, Cotton acknowledges the poignant timing of this tribute to one of Aotearoa New Zealand's trailblazing artists: 'In light of Robyn's passing, there is a deeper resonance to Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi and the decades of her artwork on display. Her mahi has become an alternate visual rendering of Aotearoa's history, through the lens of a Maaori woman. It is an honour to share this nationwide touring exhibition with our communities here in Hamilton Kirikiriroa.' Robyn Kahukiwa has iwi affiliations to Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Konohi, and Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare. As well as powerful paintings that interweave art and politics, she also wrote and illustrated award-winning children's books, including collaborating with writer Patricia Grace. In 2020, Creative New Zealand named Kahukiwa as the Supreme Award winner at the 34th Te Waka Toi Awards in recognition of her extensive career as a painter, illustrator, sculptor and author, as well as her unyielding political and cultural commentary. Inside Out is open to the public at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery from 16 May to 5 October 2025 and entry is free. Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi is open from 16 May to 7 September 2025 and entry is free. Please note For te reo Maaori, Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery uses double vowels (uu) in place of vowels with a macron (ū) to represent a long vowel sound. This spelling approach is the preference of tangata whenua in Hamilton Kirikiriroa and Waikato iwi for te reo Maaori words. Artists' titles are shown in their original form.
NZ Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Capital Markets: Ruakura joint venture showcases growth of Māori economy
The timing of a landmark deal between Tainui and global investment giant Brookfield couldn't have been sweeter. A month after the Government promoted the benefits of investing in Māori businesses, the deal was announced between Tainui Group Holdings (TGH) and Brookfield Asset Management (Brookfield), a long-term joint venture (JV) to
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
IA And Rei Collaborate On New Single ‘He Piko He Tuna' Celebrating Love And Resilience For NZ Music Month
Press Release – The Label 'He Piko He Tuna' blends smooth RnB with minimalist beats and the soothing voices of the Punga Ihu (clay nose flute), evoking nostalgic echoes of late '90s RnB and hip-hop. The song weaves a narrative around the eel (tuna), symbolising resilience, … Taonga pūoro band IA teams up with award-winning artist Rei to launch their latest single, ' He Piko He Tuna,' an R&B-infused earworm fresh out now, marking the vibrant beginning of New Zealand Music Month. 'He Piko He Tuna' blends smooth RnB with minimalist beats and the soothing voices of the Punga Ihu (clay nose flute), evoking nostalgic echoes of late '90s RnB and hip-hop. The song weaves a narrative around the eel (tuna), symbolising resilience, endurance, and the complexities of love. Inspired by the traditional Tainui whakataukī ' he piko he taniwha,' Rei reinterprets this into the central lyric 'he piko he tuna,' signifying love's enduring presence at every twist and turn of life's journey. Rei notes, ' If eels can journey to Tonga overcoming every obstacle, surely our own relationships can endure life's hardships.' IA and Rei formed their friendship at the International Indigenous Music Summit in Canada in 2023, fostering a friendship that led to this unique musical collaboration. Created remotely across Tāmaki Makaurau, Central Asia, and Ngaruawahia, the song is rooted in whakawhanaungatanga, true relationship building. Reflecting on the collaboration, Rei shares, 'I t felt connected and personal, not just verses swapped remotely, but an authentic, collaborative effort from the heart. ' IA's Reti added, ' It felt like writing with a cuzzy who has your back, knowing that we've got theirs too. It's an indescribable feeling of being inspired by someone and who you also inspire.' Filmed in striking Taupō locations, the music video vividly captures the song's metaphorical essence. ' We had great fun filming, ' laughs Rei, ' despite sitting in freezing water from Tongariro River pretending to be relaxed, it was definitely memorable! ' Band member Moetū Smith adds, ' After 25 years of marriage, this waiata resonates deeply. Love isn't always easy, but patience and perseverance create something truly magical. ' 'He Piko He Tuna' offers listeners a tranquil space to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with the calm waters of their relationships. As Reti puts it, ' It's a great track for winding down, offering a moment of calm amidst life's currents. ' 'He Piko He Tuna' is available now on all streaming platforms! Artist Bios: IA – Waikato-based duo Reti Hedley and Moetū Smith create music that seamlessly blends contemporary genres with traditional Māori instruments, exploring themes of identity, connection, and cultural heritage. Rei – Award-winning Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist known for effortlessly fusing Māori language and tikanga with modern RnB, hip-hop, and electronic influences, celebrated for innovative and soulful storytelling.
The Spinoff
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Spinoff
Ngāpuhi at a crossroads: Unity, settlement and the future of the North
The largest iwi in Aotearoa has yet to settle its Treaty claim. As debate continues, Pene Dalton makes the case for clarity and courage. And settlement. Ngāpuhi is the largest iwi in Aotearoa, with over 180,000 people connected by whakapapa – and our population is growing. That growth brings pride and potential, but also pressure – more mouths to feed, more rangatahi seeking opportunity, and more whānau navigating systems that have long failed them. Many in our rohe live with the daily realities of poverty, addiction, poor housing and disconnection. Mane Tahere's public plea to address the meth crisis wasn't an exaggeration, it was a heartfelt call for help. It voiced what many already know, but don't always say out loud: Ngāpuhi faces deep and complex challenges. Some believe a Treaty settlement for Ngāpuhi will solve everything. It won't, but it could help. A settlement would likely bring resources to support housing, education, language and land-based initiatives. Still, even if Ngāpuhi settled tomorrow, it would take decades to see the kind of results achieved by other iwi. Tainui and Kāi Tahu, for example, have built economic platforms worth billions – but only after nearly 30 years of investment, leadership and learning from missteps. Ngāpuhi hasn't even begun that journey in a unified way. We're still debating how to get to the starting suggest a Ngāpuhi settlement might be worth around $500m. It's not an official figure, just an estimate. Many argue it's far too low, pointing to bailouts like the $1.6bn for South Canterbury Finance. But the real question is: are we ready to receive and grow that pūtea?The greatest challenge isn't the dollar figure, it's unity. Getting a mandate from all hapū within Ngāpuhi is incredibly difficult. Ngāpuhi is not one voice. Some want hapū-led negotiations, others support a unified iwi-wide approach. There are real concerns about losing mana motuhake and justified distrust of imposed structures. There is a time to protest and hold the Crown accountable, but some of us have remained in that space too long. There's also a time to negotiate. The table may be flawed, but we still need people who can sit at it with integrity, strategy, and a long-term view. That mahi will never please everyone, but it's necessary. Do we settle as one iwi or splinter into hapū-based settlements? If we settle, can we stay united enough to manage what comes next?Some critics ask why Ngāpuhi doesn't follow other indigenous models overseas. But no two treaties are the same. They were signed under different circumstances, with different governments, and different histories. While we may share similar values or trauma with other indigenous groups, that's often where the similarities end. Even among iwi here, comparisons can feel uncomfortable. Some say we shouldn't compare ourselves to others – there's truth in that. We need to carve our own course. But comparisons to iwi not far removed from us culturally or historically can offer insight. If others have taken 30 years to build their base, we should be honest about the road ahead for us. We also need to be strategic. If we're holding out for legal recourse instead of settlement, what would that actually involve? What would it cost and where would that money come from? These questions deserve serious discussion, not just slogans. Personally, I support settlement – not because it's perfect and not because I think it will solve everything – but because I want to see pūtea flowing into kaupapa that are already making a difference. For me, it's about starting to rebuild, not waiting for ever for the perfect solution. There's another hard truth: many of us are still hoping for recognition without realising that political leverage matters. If we aren't voting. or voting strategically, why would those in power listen? Until we can influence the makeup of a government, we're relying on goodwill. That's not enough. Some argue settlement is a sellout. That money is the root of all evil. That engaging in this process means giving up our mana. I've heard it many times, but I disagree. Our tūpuna weren't afraid of money. They weren't afraid of trade, negotiation or enterprise. Even before coin and currency, Māori had an economy. We bartered across the motu. Pounamu, kai, textiles, tools, knowledge. We understood value. We had systems grounded in reciprocity, mana and trust. Ngāpuhi sent produce across the sea to Port Jackson, Sydney. We traded with whalers, missionaries, merchants. We adapted and we built. Some prefer the term 'restitution' over 'settlement', I understand that. But my impatience to see tangible change – to see investment in the initiatives already doing the mahi – makes that debate feel more about language than impact. Money is not foreign to our tikanga – it's a tool. If we want to restore our people, our land, our reo, our oranga, we need resources. That's not assimilation, it's tino Māori who were raised in cities are returning home – descendants of those who left in search of work. Some were raised disconnected from Ngāpuhi identity, reo and tikanga. Their return has brought energy, ideas, and sometimes tension. These shifts have reshaped parts of the rohe – for better and for worse – but this too is part of our evolving story. If you carry Ngāpuhi whakapapa, you have a right to care and a right to speak. Whether you're in Kaikohe, Tāmaki, Perth, or Nagasaki, Japan. Ngāpuhi are some of the most opinionated people you'll ever meet – and that's not a weakness – its a sign of life, pride and won't all agree – we never have – but we all have a stake in where we're headed. Settlement is not the destination, it's just the beginning. We owe it to our kaumātua who've carried this burden for decades and our tamariki and mokopuna who will carry it forward. Most of all, we owe it to ourselves to step up with courage, clarity and purpose. Now is the time.
