Tāhū – a Legacy of People and Place

Tāhū (also known as tāhuhu), has layered conceptualisation of indigenous knowledge and practice. Tāhū is described as the first we, in the weaving of a traditional Māori garment, or, as the main ridge-pole of a traditional ancestral house. Both concepts have underlying threads that connect people and place – a metaphor of weaving a direct line of ancestry, through genealogy, design and story.

The artists express their views, appreciation and enlightenment of Tāhū through their distinct practice, learnings and teachings. While contrasting in imagery, symbolism, style and discipline, each work is visually connected through a we of red, referencing ancestral connection to the supreme creator, life, genealogy and legacy.

All of the exhibiting artists are descendants of ‘nannies and pāpā’ who campaigned with the 28th Māori Battalion during the Second World War. The collective voice of Tāhū also honour legacy of home and voyages beyond, reconnecting journeys of past, paying tribute to those who sacrificed for our today.

Exhibiting artists: Randal Leach, Hiwirori Hatea, Kaaterina Kerekere, Jack Brooking, Henare Tahuri, Miria Pohatu, Candyce Keelan, Erin Rauna, Hoana Forrester, Tai Kerekere