Following a successful hue painting workshop hosted by local artist Tina Tangiweto, the Whakatāne Museum and Arts exhibitions team is thrilled to announce an additional two events in the coming weeks.

Curator Exhibitions Sarah Hudson says a desire from local rangitahi for access to education, resources, mentors and information was the catalyst for a ‘Tuakana/Teina’ event that will be held at 5pm on Friday, 24 January. 

“Tuakana/teina refers to a relationship between an older person (tuakana) and a younger person (teina) and is specific to teaching and learning in a Māori context,” she says. “This mentor/mentee relationship can also exist peer to peer, or younger to older depending on ability and accessibility.”

The free evening at Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi is an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to meet and have inspiring conversations while enjoying light refreshments. It aligns with the final week of PUNA, an exhibition of emerging Māori art practitioners who inspire rangatahi to get involved.

To celebrate Pā Harakeke, another exhibition currently displayed at Te Kōputu, a raranga (Māori weaving) demonstration will be hosted by Geraldine Karekare and tauira (students) from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Ms Hudson says the demonstration will be held in the ‘Library on the Lawn’ outside Te Kōputu, from 9am-12pm this Friday, 17 January.

“Flax has always played a critical role in Māori trade, art and everyday life,” she says. “Learning about the history, customary uses and modern applications is absolutely fascinating, and I encourage anyone interested to pop down and explore the subject with an expert such as Geraldine.”

Visitors still have the opportunity to view Flat-Pack Whakapapa in the Sheaff Family Gallery until 29 January.  This exhibition, toured by The Dowse, is an installation by Dr Maureen Lander exploring the connections between whakapapa and raranga.