NZ

Our Ocean of Islands

Our Ocean of Islands is a landmark Indigenous-led exhibition at the New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland, debuting August 15, 2026. This significant collaboration features 24 Moana Oceania island nations, highlighting their unique cultural practices and shared histories through authentic storytelling and diverse artefacts.

Date
Aug 15, 2026
Location
Auckland
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Our Ocean of Islands

Event summary

Highlights

  • Features participation from 24 Moana Oceania island nations
  • Includes 3,000-year-old pottery from Vanuatu tracing ancestral connections
  • Displays dolphin teeth currency from Malaita in the Solomon Islands
  • Indigenous-led curation in partnership with Lagi-Maama Academy & Consultancy
Developed over three years in partnership with the Lagi-Maama Academy & Consultancy, this exhibition brings together Tangata Whenua and 17 island nations with diaspora communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, plus six additional regional communities. The project emphasizes Indigenous perspectives, allowing participants to determine how their own cultural knowledge, languages, and items are presented to the public.

The exhibition spans centuries of history, showcasing items such as 3,000-year-old Vanuatu pottery, dolphin teeth currency from the Solomon Islands, and ancestral navigation methods. Scheduled to run for 18 months, the opening festivities include free panel discussions, workshops, and family activities. This initiative aims to provide a platform where Moana Oceania communities can see their identities reflected through their own lenses rather than external viewpoints.

Practical details

Location described by the source
New Zealand Maritime Museum
www.scoop.co.nz
Area for browsing nearby events
Auckland

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