Threads of Whatonga

Threads of Whātonga

On until 16 July 2023

Ko au tētahi o ngā aho i te kaitaka huaki o Whātonga (Te Matahiapo)
I am one of the threads in the grand cloak of Whātonga

Threads of Whātonga brings together historical and contemporary art to mark the opening of Marlborough’s first purpose-built art gallery in central Blenheim. Art on show was gifted to our former premises at the Millennium Public Art Gallery in Seymour Square and forms part of the gallery’s permanent collection. Mana Whenua opened the previous art gallery in 1999 and are partners in this project. This exhibition acknowledges the relationships, stories and experiences of the past, which we are mindful of as we make our next steps. Cressida Bishop, Director



Kaitaka are finely woven cloaks made of muka (flax fibre). Whātonga was the grandfather of Rangitāne whose descendants have occupied this area since the migration of the chiefs, Tūkauae, Te Huataki, Hapairangi, and Whakamana in the 16th century.

The name of this exhibition and the whakatauaki from which it originates has been gifted to the new gallery as an acknowledgement of its role in promoting the arts in our region. Dr Peter Meihana, Curator

Image: JBC Hoyte, Picton, watercolour (detail)