WAIRARAPA MOANA opens in moving ceremony

8 November 2010

WAIRARAPA MOANA opens in moving ceremony at Aratoi

The haunting sound of the pūtātara – conch shell trumpet – sounded above a crowd of several hundred people who braved cold winds in the Aratoi courtyard to attend the opening of the landmark Wairarapa Moana exhibition last weekend. It signaled the start of the moving ceremony that included a wero (traditional challenge), with Hon. Tariana Turia the guest of honour.

Students from Makoura College gave a rousing welcome as Ms Turia, with Wairarapa Archdeacon Hariata Tahana by her side, entered the gallery, and circled the exhibition with its stunning centerpiece – the 14 metre war canoe Te Heke Rangatira, which had been transported from Te Papa some weeks earlier.

WAIRARAPA MOANA is one of the largest and most ambitious exhibitions ever presented at Aratoi, and explores the rich and sometimes turbulent history of the Lake - the largest lake and wetland area in the lower North Island. Historic photographs, paintings, taonga, and film trace its journey from abundant traditional food basket for local Māori, to being the focus of conflict between local iwi and European settlers from the 1850s onwards. The Lake is recognized as an internationally significant but threatened wildlife habitat today.

“The exhibition will raise awareness of the lake and its history using the concept that by understanding its past we can better manage its future, and perhaps re-establish and revitalize its mana and wairua,” says Marcus Boroughs, director of Aratoi.

Gavin McLachlan, chair of the Wairarapa Cultural Trust, told the crowd that “this exhibition shows what can be achieved by a small regional facility when it works closely with the community”. He co-hosted the opening with Pani Himona (chair of Wairarapa Moana).

Fran Wilde (chair of Greater Wellington Regional Council) described Lake Wairarapa as “our wetland treasure at the end of the valley”, and outlined her hopes for the areas to be restored “so they can nurture future generations both spiritually and economically”. “Some of us are thinking of a 500 year plan for the lake,” she said, referring to the longterm vision of The Wairarapa Moana Wetlands Restoration Project, of which she is a part.

Haami Te Whaiti, the Maori curator of the exhibition, shared that hope: “We want every child in Wairarapa to know the story of the Lake so we can return it to the state it once was – teaming with life and energy.”

The guests then moved back into the main gallery where Hon. Tariana Turia, standing near the elaborate prow of Te Heke Rangatira, formally opened the exhibition. She noted her connection to Wairarapa through three mokopuna she is raising. “I intend to bring my babies here. I want them to understand who they are in the scheme of things and how important it is to know your whanau.”
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Ms Turia then laid kawakawa leaves on the waka, and a group of local young people gave a powerful haka. Archdeacon Hariata Tahana concluded the ceremony with a karakia and hymn.

An education and public programme will run throughout the duration of the exhibition, and an accompanying publication will be launched next year.

Aratoi acknowledges the generous sponsorship of Wairarapa Moana; Eastern & Central Community Trust; Greater Wellington Regional Council; Kahungunu ki Wairarapa; Masterton Trust Lands Trust; McAuley’s Transport Ltd; Newbolds 100% Electrical, Masterton; and Technology Solutions.

WAIRARAPA MOANA is generously supported by Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa; Department of Conservation; Whanganui Regional Museum; National Library of New Zealand;
The Sign Factory; Henley Men’s Shed; Loader Construction Engineering Ltd; Rangitane o Wairarapa; Rigg-Zschokke; Ornament; and The Village Art Shop.

WAIRARAPA MOANA: He pātaka kai, He pātaka kōrero - Stories about a lake and its people
6 November 2010 – 7 May 2011.
Aratoi – Wairarapa Museum of Art & History
Bruce St, Masterton
Open daily 10am-4.30pm
www.aratoi.co.nz

ENDS

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