Taku P’eu Tūpuna

"The culture of my ancestors is also mine."

Te Manawa has worked with Vainetini o Manawatū, a group of Cook Islands women, to bring together this exhibition. The women have together created a distinctive tīvaivai manu tātaura (appliqué and embroidered quilt) to represent coming to Aotearoa New Zealand and making the Manawatū their home.

Pare ‘ei (headdresses) are honoured through the art of Tereroa Hancock, and small treasures from Te Manawa’s heritage collection show the beauty and variety of other cultural items.

Community, artistry, and the passing on of skills and stories is at the heart of this exhibition.

See how the tīvaivai was made and hear from the women who made it in the accompanying film and images. Photography and digital media by Trina Heke-Rofe, with sound design by Fernando Alvarez.

Nau mai, haere mai - Open daily. General admission is free - donations welcome. 0800-4-A-MUSEUM.