Waipunarangi: Heavenly Waters of the Sky

Just in time to celebrate Matariki, the visual excellence of Ngāti Tūwharetoa artists will be on show at the Taupō Museum. This year, the themes of sustainability, health and the well-being of the Waikato River and the surrounding waterways were chosen as a source of inspiration.

The artists in ‘Waipunarangi: Heavenly Waters of the Sky’ will display jewellery, carving, weaving, painting and print. The show of more than thirty artists gives exposure to emerging, as well as established artists drawn from local, national and international sources and is sponsored by Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and supported by Rauhoto Marae and Environmental Management Services

The artists’ collective pool of talent and experience is impressive. Experienced local carver, Delanie Brown, renowned for the waharoa (gateway) outside the Great Lake Centre, will once again interact with visitors as he carves in the gallery.

Sculptor and tribal artist Matahi (Greg) Whakataka Brightwell brings forty years of sculpting in wood, stone and bone. Matahi is renowned for the impressions of Ngatoro-i-rangi carved into the cliff face of Lake Taupō and the construction of the largest Māori War canoe, Nukutaimemeha, built in New Zealand.

Hone Bailey won an award for his entry in Pacifica and Natalie Couch was part of the CNZ delegation to Samoa for the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts. Both Māui Taewa and his brother Hika have used their graphic art skills to produce illustrations for the Tūwharetoa Cultural Knowledge Project.

Matariki is a time when people gather to remember the past and plan for the year ahead. Conservation and respect for the environment are always strong themes.  Sharing of knowledge is an important aspect and with this in mind the Museum has established a rich programme of talks, ta moko and carving demonstrations, workshops and school packages.

The exhibition closes on 31 July and Taupō Museum is open daily from 10am – 4:30pm and is free to locals.

Taupō Museum wishes to make special mention of the sponsors and supporters of this exhibition and activities: Tῡwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Rauhoto Marae and Environmental Management Services.