Partnership Marks New Chapter for Whare Taonga and Art Gallery
The signing of the first Whare Taonga partnership agreement between Te Nehenehenui and the Christchurch Art Gallery – Te Puna o Waiwhetū yesterday marks a significant milestone in celebrating the stories, culture, and identity of Maniapoto for future generations.
The agreement is the first formal partnership for the future Maniapoto Whare Taonga under the 2050 Te Kawau Rukuroa strategy of Te Nehenehenui, and this signals the beginning of a broader collaboration designed to strengthen relationships and create lasting benefits for the Maniapoto membership and the Christchurch Art Gallery, Te Puna o Waiwhetū.
Te Nehenehenui Group Chief Executive Sam Mikaere said the partnership symbolises the commencement of realising the aspirations of our Maniapoto membership in 2022.
“In 2022, Te Nehenehenui conferred engagements with our Maniapoto membership locally and abroad. One of the strongest messages we heard was the desire of the iwi to have their own Whare Taonga or Museum — a place where their stories, taonga, and history can be preserved and shared with future generations,” said Mikaere.
“This agreement is an important step towards that vision and represents the first of many Whare Taonga partnerships we are developing as part of our 2050 Strategy. Strong partnerships, with all whare taonga that care for Taonga Maniapoto, will help us ensure the identity, heritage, and stories of Maniapoto remain alive for the present and generations to come.”
Christchurch Art Gallery Director Blair Jackson said the agreement reflects a relationship that has grown through the Bird Land: Te Kāhui Manu exhibition project.
“We are deeply appreciative of the support Te Nehenehenui has provided for the loan of the Maniapoto Patu Parāoa taonga from Te Papa. That support has enabled us to share an important taonga of Maniapoto with our audiences and to tell a richer story within the exhibition.”
“We see this agreement as the beginning of an ongoing relationship. It creates opportunities for future collaboration and for continued engagement with Maniapoto history, culture and taonga in ways that are guided by and meaningful to Maniapoto.”
ENDS