Where better to make the Aotearoa debut of NZMACI’s internationally renowned Māori arts and culture exhibition, Tuku Iho | Living Legacy, than at the epicentre of Māori performing arts – Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival.
Created by the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI), Tuku Iho | Living Legacy highlights the best in traditional and contemporary Māori culture, featuring more than 60 works of art, in-situ pounamu (greenstone) and wood carving, live tā moko, kapa haka, contemporary musicians, and cultural collaborations.
Brought to New Zealand audiences in partnership with Creative New Zealand and Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival, Tuku Iho provided a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on age-old taonga and traditional crafts, while giving an understanding of their place in today’s world.
The exhibition has enjoyed global fame since 2013, touring China, Malaysia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, North America, and Japan.
NZMACI General Manager, Eraia Kiel says it has long been a shared desire to give New Zealanders the chance to see the exhibition that has wowed audiences across the globe.
Eraia says Tuku Iho contributes to NZMACI’s legislated mandate to protect, promote and perpetuate Māori arts, crafts, and culture.
“What better way is there to tell our stories and reflect the diversity of our culture than through our art forms, which we have practised for centuries?
“Tuku Iho is a celebration of who we are; the traditions, language and values that have shaped our identity as Māori, and we are proud to be able to showcase them all at Te Matatini – the heart of Māori performing arts.”
Displayed works included a full-size pātaka (storehouse) façade, taonga puoro (musical instruments) and taonga whakarākai (head and body adornments).