H.K.Taiaroa celebrations

H.K. Taiaroa: ‘Kua marara hoki ngā mana o tōna kaha ki runga i te katoa’

A day of events to celebrate and warm this exhibition on esteemed 19th century Kāi Tahu tribal and political leader Hōri Kerei (H.K.) Taiaroa and his life and work alongside his wife, Tini Kerei Taiaroa. Newly created artworks sit alongside existing artworks, taoka tuku iho, archival material and voices of descendants to illuminate their story.

The opening day will include a panel discussion, and live performances by Taiaroa Royal and He Waka Kōtuia.

10.30am: Panel Discussion: 'Where were my tīpuna in this city?'
Introduced by Mark Rangi (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Rauru and Tainui) and chaired by Dr Megan Pōtiki (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Te Ātiawa) with speakers:
Tony Ballantyne, a professor in the History Programme, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Otago University. His primary research area is on the cultural impact of British imperialism.
Edward Ellison (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Te Ātiawa), Upoko of Ōtākou Rūnaka. He was a treaty negotiator during Kāi Tahu’s settlement process and is a longstanding cultural expert and leader within the iwi.
Ella McDonald (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha), a moko of Hōri Kerei and Tini Kerei Taiaroa through the Teoti Kerei line. She studied Māori and History at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Otago University.
Angela Wanhalla (Kāi Tahu, Kāi Te Ruahikihiki, Pākehā), a professor in the History Programme, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Otago University. Her primary research area is Māori women’s history. 

11.30am:  Waiata and haka performance by rakatahi rōpū He Waka Kōtuia

1pm:  HURIWHENUA performance by Taiaroa Royal

From 10.30am Sunday 3 August
Free – all welcome

This exhibition has been developed in collaboration with with Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou and the Riki Te Mairaki Ellison Taiaroa Whānau Trust.

Please note: where there is limited seating capacity, priority seating will be given to those who need it.

[Image: Production still courtesy of Taiaroa Royal (in collaboration with Louise Pōtiki Bryant, Paddy Free, Kēri Pewhairangi, Tūī Matira Ranapiri Ransfield and Ty Gage), 2025]