Hokianga exhibition
by André Hueber
Did you know the Hokianga Harbour is where Maori first set foot in New Zealand?
They called it Te Hokianga-nui-a-kupe or “the place of Kupe’s great return”.
Legend has it that Kupe crossed the Pacific from Hawaiki before landing there.
If you want to know more, check out the Hokianga exhibition at the Auckland Central Library, a collection of photos, art, and family treasures.
It’s a tribute to the history, place, and the people of the Hokianga.
The Hokianga Harbour is a long narrow harbour on the west coast in the north of the North Island of New Zealand.
The exhibition highlights the interrelationship of the whakapau taniwha (environment), whakapau ariki (authority) and tangata (people) of Hokianga Harbour.
The original name, still used by local Maori, is Te Kohanga o Te Tai Tokerau (”The nest of the northern people”) or Te Puna o Te Ao Marama (”the wellspring of moonlight”).
I was intrigued by the contrasts and the mystery on display in this exhibition .
As you walk past the images, the Hokianga appears in different lights; dark and cloaked in mist, then suddenly a desert oasis. Kauri bark wrapped in supermarket meat packages, jewellery and feathered cloaks are some of the works in this eclectic show.
Exhibition highlights include a music performance by Te Ara To, and a lecture series.
Escape from the chaos of Auckland City and soak up the culture.
The show runs until September 29.
You are invited to add comments and stories to the Hokianga exhibition blog here
Wow! That’s interesting Andre! Is the exhibition actually in Hokianga?