'Kua marara hoki ngā mana o tōna kaha ki runga i te katoa’
H.K. TAIAROA
4 August 2025
Today we welcome our manuhiri into our newest exhibition that celebrates and explores the life and legacy of the Kāi Tahu Rakatira H.K. (Huriwhenua) Taiaroa through kōrero, taoka tuku iho and contemporary art. With the 4th of August marking 120 years since the passing of H.K. Taiaora, this whakaaturaka (exhibition) creates a unique space to learn and reflect on his life’s work and how this endures for the benefit of future generations.
The title of the exhibition H.K. Taiaroa: 'Kua marara hoki ngā mana o tōna kaha ki runga i te katoa’ features a quote from H.K. Taiaroa’s personal writing. It can be interpreted in English as: ‘His authority and strength is dispersed to all’. It was chosen as a beautiful reminder that the mana and kaha of H.K.’s leadership is celebrated in this exhibition to uplift everyone.
The exhibition H.K. Taiaroa: 'Kua marara hoki ngā mana o tōna kaha ki runga i te katoa’ continues until 23 November 2025.
This exhibition has been developed in collaboration with Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou and the Riki Te Mairaki Ellison Taiaroa Whānau Trust.
Noho ora mai
Cam McCracken
Director, Dunedin Public Art Gallery
[image: Gottfried Lindauer Hon Hori Kerei Taiaroa, MLC. 1901. Oil on canvas. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, gift of Mr H E Partridge, 1915]