On June 28, Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, reopened its refreshed art space called Toi Art. The two-level gallery now features a mix of new and familiar artworks, showcasing both modern pieces and well-known favourites from the museums collection.
Visitors will see creations by famous artists such as Ralph Hotere, Maureen Lander, and Michael Parekōwhai. One of the highlights is Maureen Lander’s woven flax artwork Huna, which represents a Māori goddess.
The new displays at Toi Art include a wide range of materials like clay, wood, harakeke, and even neon string. These artworks celebrate the creativity of Māori artists and how their traditions continue to evolve today.
Two large pieces greet visitors at the entrance: Nga Morehu by Shona Rapira-Davies, showing a group of women calling in karanga and Black Phoenix by Ralph Hotere made from burnt wood taken from a fishing boat destroyed in 1984.
Another standout is Lander’s String Games, originally made for Te Papa’s opening in 1998. It is displayed alongside new artworks by artists like Yona Lee and Hariata Ropata-Tangahoe, which are being shown for the first time.
Te Awa says the exhibition is a mix of “old taonga” and fresh additions, allowing people to connect with their heritage while discovering new stories.
Alongside the gallery reopening, Te Papa also hosted the Taikura Kapa Haka festival, where over 600 elders from across New Zealand performed over the weekend.
