A travelling multimedia exhibition about Maori women in New Zealand is coming to Rotorua this weekend.
The display titled ‘Wahine’, the Maori word for woman, will be up for viewing at Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village from May 6 to June 1, 2023.
The free event offers a peek into the life stories of Maori women, with the aim to foster mutual understanding. Leading author of poi Ngamoni Huata will join the exhibition on the Rotorua leg as the display travels around North Island.
Ngamoni says, “I think it’s the love of people, appreciating different cultures. So even though I'm proud of mine because that's who I am, this is what I am…but I’m also open to other people too. They all have their own. And it's not about right or wrong, this is just the way they do things, and this is the way we do things.”
Through personalised sound stories and portrait photography, ‘Wahine’ is an immersive exhibition inviting communities to come together, be inspired, and learn from the raw, honest, and vulnerable stories of Maori women.
The stories touch on their joys and inspirations, their troubles and tribulations, and the resilience that has moulded them into the women they are. The narratives are woven together with real-life recordings captured by the women themselves, and exhibited alongside a photography portrait of each of the interviewee.
Loren Pasquier, the exhibition’s Creative Director, says, “My hope in creating this work is that Wahine will not only inspire empathy for the stories we hear but reflect that same empathy onto ourselves. Because I do believe it is through empathy and respect that we can start to acknowledge each other.”
As it travels around New Zealand, ‘Wahine’ expands each time it changes locations by inviting a woman from a local iwi. Rotorua is the fifth and final centre in North Island to exhibit ‘Wahine’.
Ngamoni’s story will join those of 12 others who have shared their stories during the countrywide tour. By holding a sacred space for women to share their experiences, the exhibition hopes to inspire compassion and ignite a wider sense of belonging, community and togetherness.
Follow the journey on www.thewovenwomen.org or on social media @thewovenwomen.
‘Wahine’ will exhibit at Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village, 17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua.
May 6 to June 1, 2023, from 9am to 4pm daily.
Exhibition opening: May 6, 11.30am
Entry is Free
A free to attend public workshop, ‘Wahine - Our Stories’, on May 6, from 2pm to 4pm, at Nga Mareikura,Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village. All welcome (ages 16+)
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