Tuwharetoa Gallery

Explore Taupo's Maori history and heritage and feel the spirit of this diverse people and their dynamic living culture.

Tuwharetoa is the name of the local Maori tribe (iwi) who have lived in the Taupo area for centuries. Today, the people of Ngati Tuwharetoa make up close to 30% of the population of the Taupo district and are the sixth biggest iwi in the country.

Find out more about their relationship with ancestral lands, waters, cultural sites and taonga (treasures).

Benoni White postcard of Lake Taupo

A 15 metre waka made from one mighty totara log is the centrepiece exhibit, representing the journey from the past to present.

taupo museum putatara  

Tuwharetoa Window Graphic                  

The overall waka theme of the gallery was kept in mind for this design and inspiration was found from the Tuwharetoa taonga Te Awa o Te Atua (Putatara - conch shell trumpet) - a tribal heirloom, and the four winds.

Motutaiko Island, Lake Taupo

The Island

View a 40 minute-long documentary about Motutaiko, Lake Taupo's sacred and historical isle, made to increase understanding about the island's significance to local Maori. 

 

Weaving with Harakeke (NZ Flax)

Watch a short DVD and learn about traditional ways of working with flax. Well-known weaver/artist Rokahurihia Ngarimu-Cameron demonstrates the art of making a piupiu - a skirt-like garment worn these days by Maori at cultural performances.

 

taupo museum Te Awa o Te Ttua

Te Awa o Te Atua

Events

The Art of Assemblage

9 May 2012 Unique presentation of recycled materials More →

Face Value

10 May 2012 A personal and intimate expose presenting the stories of six people and their Ta Moko journey. More →

International Museum Day 2012

18 May 2012 The worldwide community of Museums celebrate the 35th anniversary of International Museum Day. More →

Pacific Power

26 May 2012 Paintings and Prints by Jane Hyder Niven Room More →

Second Hanging

1 July 2012 1st - 25th September. Second Hanging provides the opportunity to SELL and BUY pre-loved paintings and costume jewellery More →

Regular Meetings and Activities