He Muri Aroha

The exhibition acknowledges the start of the new dawn and a time to gather with whaanau and friends and celebrate what has been and what is to come.

Matariki, although a time of celebration brings forth the reflective sensory experiences of loss and grief of loved ones who have passed. He waa maumahara tenei, a time of remembrance.

The whakaahua presented in this exhibition acknowledges their contributions, their whanau, their hapu and their iwi during the times of ritual. Kiingitanga kaupapa, including tangihanga, poukai and other collective iwi events.

Kaupapa that are founded in Tumanako, Whakapono and Aroha. Lead by the Kiingi Maaori and Kaahui Ariki who were present, honoured and acknowledged during these kaupapa which is reciprocated and acknowledges everyone’s Muri Aroha that will follow all, for the rest of their days.

This exhibition acknowledges the resilience, fortitude and courage of 160 years of Kiingitanga. Dedicated to the previous year’s trials, tribulations, celebrations and achievements. This exhibition, a koha aroha to all Pani, Pouaru, and Rawakore (bereaved, widowed, destitute), to preserve their memories and support their continued resilience to the Kiingitanga kaupapa.

I wish everyone all the aroha and resilience to get them through. And I hope those struggling see these whakaahua and look to Kiingitanga as a reminder of the resilience already inside them.

Kei ngaku nui kei ngaku rahi, mena kua noho tahi maaua hiinei te mihi atawhai ki a koe, inaa hoki i roto i teenaa nohotahinga naau teetahi waahanga ooku i whakatupu I whakaawe I puawai.

E aoia raa, me kii peenei ake au

Noo Ngaati Koroki Kahukura me Ngaati Hikairo ahau. Koianei he huanga moo te Kiingitanga. Ko taku tumanako, ki te kitea mai au kia kitea mai ko Waikato whaanui, ko kaitautoko moo Te Kiingitanga, kaua ko Atawhai.

Paimaarire.