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H.K. Taiaroa: ‘Kua marara hoki ngā mana o tōna kaha ki runga i te katoa’A day of events to celebrate and farewell this exhibition on esteemed 19th century Kāi Tahu tribal and political leader Hōri Kerei (H.K.) Taiaroa and his life and work alongside his wife, Tini Kerei Taiaroa.
The final day will include a live performance by Taiaroa Royal (1pm) and a panel discussion (3pm).
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1pm: HURIWHENUA performance by Taiaroa Royal
This dance piece pairs with the newly created artwork within the exhibition. This artwork was created by Taiaroa Royal, in collaboration with Louise Pōtiki Bryant, Paddy Free, Kēri Pewhairangi, Tūī Matira Ranapiri Ransfield, Karlos-Taiaroa Pewhairangi-Charlie and Ty Gage.
Taiaroa Royal (Te Arawa, Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Raukawa, Uenukukōpako) is a descendant of H.K. Taiaroa, currently living near Lake Ōkāreka, in Rotorua. He is the artistic director of Ōkāreka Dance Company, a contemporary dance company with indigenous values at its core, which was founded in 2007. Taiaroa trained at the New Zealand School of Dance, graduating in 1984. He has since performed with major dance companies both at home and abroad, including The Royal New Zealand Ballet, Douglas Wright and Dancers, Michael Parmenter’s Commotion Company, Black Grace, Orotokare and Atamira Dance Company.
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3pm: Panel discussion featuring speakers Edward Ellison, Janine Hayward, Tia Taiaroa and Te Maire Tau.
Edward Ellison (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Te Ātiawa)
Edward is Rūnaka Upoko at Ōtākou Rūnaka. He was a treaty negotiator during Kāi Tahu’s settlement process and is longstanding cultural expert and leader within the iwi. Edward is part of the working group which has brought this exhibition to life.
Professor Janine Hayward
Janine teaches and researches various aspects of New Zealand politics at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Otago University. In 2024 Janine co-edited the book Te Tiriti o Waitangi Relationships: People, Politics and Law, the third volume within a series which discusses the complexities of Te Tiriti o Waitangi issues. Under Janine’s guidance, students at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka have analysed and collated the parliamentary speeches of H.K. Taiaroa.
Tia Taiaroa (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha, Taranaki)
Tia is a moko of Hōri Kerei and Tini Kerei Taiaroa raised in Ōtākou. In 2019 she completed a bachelor’s of Māori and Indigenous studies at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka University of Otago. In 2023 she represented Ōtepoti as a participant in the Tuia leadership programme and has recently completed her first year of studies in Heke Poutuarongo Reo at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. Tia is also part of the working group which has brought this exhibition to life.
Professor Te Maire Tau (Ngāi Tahu)
Te Maire is Upoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Pou Whakarae at the University of Canterbury. He has published widely on oral traditions and the relationship between indigenous knowledge systems and how they intersect with western science. Across the diverse worlds of academia, governance and the “flax roots” of his Tuahiwi village community, his strength lies in collaborating and building relationships across generations and cultures. His historical knowledge proved invaluable during the settlement of Ngāi Tahu Treaty of Waitangi claims, providing evidence in the Waitangi Tribunal, and playing a part in the Treaty settlement negotiations.
From 1pm Sunday 23 November
Free – all welcome
This exhibition has been developed in collaboration with Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou and the Riki Te Mairaki Ellison Taiaroa Whānau Trust.
[Image: Still from HURIWHENUA courtesy of Taiaroa Royal (in collaboration with Louise Pōtiki Bryant, Paddy Free, Kēri Pewhairangi, Tūī Matira Ranapiri Ransfield, Karlos-Taiaroa Pewhairangi-Charlie and Ty Gage), two-channel video with audio, 2025]
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