Te Ripo o te Moana: Taonga Through Time

Te Ripo o te Moana: Taonga Through Time is an exhibition opening at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum on Saturday, August 29, 2026. It delves into the richness and diversity of Māori art, presenting both customary and contemporary taonga, which are significant cultural treasures. The exhibition's title, 'Te Ripo o te Moana,' translates to 'The Whirlpool of the Sea,' symbolizing the convergence of taonga Māori from various timeframes, iwi, and regions, as well as the deep connection between Māori and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean).

The display brings together a wide array of art forms, including whakairo rākau (wood carving), raranga (weaving), kōwhaiwhai (painting), whakakai (adornment), and tārai waka (waka knowledge). Highlights include 'Te Rā,' the sole known customary Māori sail, and 'Tiki,' a four-meter-tall waharoa (gateway carving) from the early 1800s. Works by contemporary Māori artists such as Areta Wilkinson, Te Rongo Kirkwood, Saffronn Te Ratana, and Ngataiharuru Taepa are featured, tracing the evolution of Māori art and expressing ancestral knowledge through new forms. The exhibition also explores Māori voyaging traditions through waka tauihu (canoe prows) and hoe (paddles).

Curated to recognize Māori art and taonga as living art forms, 'Te Ripo o te Moana' creates a dialogue between art-making from different generations, showcasing stories of whakapapa, identity, creativity, and innovation. It provides a dynamic overview of Māori art, demonstrating its continuum where mātauranga (knowledge) is carried forward through creative practice. The exhibition offers visitors an important space to experience taonga Māori from the Museum’s collection, especially while the Māori Court undergoes asbestos remediation, and is free with Museum entry.