Hokianga Virtual Exhibition

We are pleased to announce that Hokianga Virtual Exhibition is now live!
The Hokianga Exhibition is about bringing together the stories, histories, people and reflections of the Hokianga.
In creating the virtual exhibition select taonga from each room have been brought together to give an overview of the Hokianga Exhibition.
The beauty of having it as a virtual exhibition is that it is accessible to anyone in the world, at anytime.
The physical exhibition is due to close on the 29th September but the virtual will remain accessible after that time so if you have not been able to visit now is your chance to check it out.
You can now access the Hokianga virtual Exhibition by following this link
To the people of the Hokianga, past and present and everyone who contributed we thank you and hope you enjoy the exhibition.

In the spotlight 10: Gordon Toi Hatfield Ta Moko artist.

Internationally renowned Ta Moko artist Gordon Toi spoke at Auckland city libraries on Monday as part of the Hokianga Exhibition lecture series.
Gordon is an author and artist who has held exhibitions in both New Zealand and The Netherlands.
His book “Dedicated by blood – Whakautu ki te toto” is an important work highlighting the kaupapa of Gordon’s work as well as the growth of interest in and practice of the traditional art that is Ta moko.

Gordon is an interesting, knowledgeable and animated speaker it was a wonderful experience for everyone there to hear his korero about the origin of Moko and what the future may hold for the growth and evolution of the art form, as well as the journey that let him to become a moko artist.

The pictures below show some of the highlights from his speech.

Update on the Hokianga Rocks Competition

The Hokianga rocks competition has been running now for almost eight weeks, we have received some fantastic entries from as far as Waimamaku in the north, and Papakura in the south and have wiped away a tear or two at the beauty of some of the korero. More then a few of the entries show real promise as future authors.

There is still time to enter! Tell your friends, whanau and your tamariki, jump on board and let us know why Hokianga Rocks! Entries don’t close till the 29th of September so if you or your school is interested in entering go for it!

Don’t forget to check out the fantastic prizes we can't wait to give away. Full details are available on the competition page here or contact us directly.

In the spotlight 9: An evening with James Reddy Clendon

Wednesday 15th of August saw the first of our night-time lectures featuring talks by Lindsay Charman-Love from Te Ati Awa and Kate De Courcy the manuscripts librarian at Auckland city libraries.
Lindsay Charman-Love being the Heritage curator of Clendon house spoke of the story of James Reddy Clendon, his family and the impact they had on the Hokianga. Kate focused on the unique information relating to Clendon that Auckland city libraries holds and the work that went into gathering and preserving this collection.
The life and times of James Clendon, his family and the area of Hokianga was vividly brought to life by these entertaining and enthralling speakers.

Thank you to Lindsay and Kate and all who attended it was a night to remember.

Whitiwhiti korero - feedback

While the Hokianga Exhibition has been running we have had a Visitor book out so people can leave their feedback about the exhibition.
Western the tour co-ordinator estimates there are 3 tours a day with over 200 people per day going through the Exhibition.

We have had such great feedback we thought we would let some of the people who have come through the exhibition say in their own words what they thought.

Brigid from Maraetai said: A simulating exhibition that captures the soul of the Hokianga, Thank you!

Jessica from the city said: Originally from the Hokianga, it was great to see such talent!!

Veronica (Roni) said: Nga mihi nui nga mihi maioha Mauri Ora!! Mean Maori Mean Mauri Ora!

Katey from Karaka Bay said: Reminds me of how incredibly proud I am to have come from and still belong to a community in the Hokianga. Thank you, Ka Pai!

Clare said: Tino pai ō koutou mahi he mia tino ātāhua he mea tino nui

Dennis said: Im half Aboriginal half Samoan here on Holiday it was great reading up on your fullas history, keep it strong!

Leah and Bina from Remuera said: It was smashing I would love to bring my class mates

Huge thanks to the schools that have supported the exhibition with a huge amount coming through to date, and all the people who have come to the lectures, Kia Ora!