Toi Matarau Gallery opens Nō Tāukiuki

Toi Matarau Gallery opened Nō Tāukiuki on Saturday, 29 August, bringing together a wide-ranging group of Māori and Indigenous artists whose work reaches into ancestral stories, whakapapa, and ways of making passed down through generations.

Taking its name from long ago, Nō Tāukiuki brings together painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, pounamu, jewellery, weaving, ceremonial garments and contemporary body adornment.

The exhibition emerged during Matariki, when winter snow settled across the Tararua ranges above Ōtaki. From that moment came the idea for an exhibition grounded in the natural world, whakapapa and the enduring presence of tūpuna.

Across the exhibition, artists draw on their own visual languages, materials and practices to bring ancestral knowledge into Te Ao Mārama. The works move between traditional and contemporary forms, demonstrating how stories inherited from generations before us continue to be interpreted, transformed and carried forward.

“Elevating the whakapapa and connection of artists with their tūpuna is the idea and focus to curating Nō Tāukiuki.  Where each unique style of visual storytelling invites audiences to see and appreciate stories of long ago. For all to experience their own connection with Te Ao Mārama.  As Toi Matarau evolves, the most profound part of Nō Tāukiuki is the presence of original toi Māori not seen before”. said Maakarita Paku 

Nō Tāukiuki features special guest artists Juhyeon Yi, Nyle Turuwhenua, Manu Edwin, Kirsti Neels, Tanya Shearer and Jenny Kenny, alongside new works by Jean Kahui, Darcy Nicholas, Steve Gibbs, Fiona Bryant, Elaine Bevan, Aria Parker, Messini Palace, Hikurangi Edwards, Regan Balzer, Jeanine Clarkin, Harete Tito, Reweti Arapere, Lucy de Young Hakaraia, Rīhari Warnock and others.

The exhibition continues Toi Matarau’s commitment to presenting multidisciplinary Māori and Indigenous art and creating opportunities for audiences to encounter the stories, ideas and practices shaping contemporary Indigenous art.

“To see so many artists create despite a marked constriction of government funding and to see the support of people coming into Toi Matarau and buying these works is why Māoriland is committed to ensuring there is a place for authentic work and uplifting kōrero. We are very proud of all of the ringa toi and our kaitiaki toi”.  said Tumu Whakarae Libby Hakaraia

Nō Tāukiuki will run until 26 October 2026. Toi Matarau Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm.