Not One More Acre!

Forty years on from one of New Zealand’s most culturally and politically defining moments, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum will honour those who stood strong to protect their land rights at Takaparawhau Bastion Point.

The photographic exhibition Not One More Acre! – co-curated by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Auckland Museum – will officially open on Friday 18 May, showcasing the stories of Takaparawhau’s protestors and giving insight into life at the site of the historic occupation.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the unlawful eviction of more than 400 occupants from Takaparawhau on the morning of 25 May 1978, following 506 days of non-violent protest on the sacred hill overlooking Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trustee Sharon Hawke says the exhibition ensures the efforts of those who stood in protest for a better New Zealand will not be forgotten.

“The significance of these peaceful demonstrations cannot be overstated, not only for Ngāti Whātua or for Māori but for all New Zealanders.

“Not One More Acre! is our chance to share with the world the remarkable lives of those who said ‘enough’ through their involvement with the occupation, to recognise their achievements and to learn from this time in our history so we progress as a bicultural society.”

The exhibition will take pride of place in Auckland Museum’s iconic Māori Court, and will showcase 105 unique photographs on loan to the Museum from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s collection. Among the work on display will be images from famed photographers Mairi Gunn, Gil Hanly, Margaret Jones, John Miller, and Robyn Morrison.

Auckland Museum CEO, Dr David Gaimster says exhibitions such as Not One More Acre! play an important role in defining the history of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and marks the first of a strong new programme of iwi and Māori-led community engagement.

“Tāmaki Paenga Hira is Auckland’s home of cultural learning and knowledge sharing, so we are immensely proud to be partnering with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to deliver such a significant and thought-provoking exhibition for our local and international visitors alike,” says Dr Gaimster.

“As part of our He Korahi Māori strategy, the Museum will take a leading role in helping Māori communities present their own stories in an active and changing public programme of exhibitions.

“The iconic photographs of Not One More Acre! chronicle a time when New Zealanders of all backgrounds came together to draw a line in the sand and forever stamp their mark on our history. We trust this remarkable collection will continue to generate discussions that foster understanding and a shared commitment to Auckland’s bicultural future.”
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