Uhi Tai - Exhibition

Uhi Tai is a three-day exhibition and toi Māori expression of the research findings from the Sustainable Seas Tangaroa Ararau project that reimagines marine governance with the Tangaroa at the heart of decision-making.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Māori knowledge transfer methods, the exhibition presents a dynamic mix of media forms—including video, audio, painting, sculpture, waiata, weaving, carving, taonga pūoro, tā moko, and print media. Through this unique approach, Uhi Tai presents Tangaroa Ararau's research findings as a call to action, encouraging curiosity, and providing space to reimagine a tikanga-led marine governance and management system that honours Te Tiriti.

Curated by Tai and Rina Kerekere of KE Design, the exhibition features works from six Māori artists across Aotearoa, the premiere of a short film documenting the impact of the research project and the exclusive debut of a waiata composed for the project, performed live by the Tuari Brothers.

Uhi Tai explores the myriad relationships within Aotearoa New Zealand’s oceans and reimagines a governance system that places Tangaroa at its heart. Built upon a foundation of tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, it aims to reshape our approach to the oceans, in a uniquely Aotearoa way.

Entry is free and open to the public.

Featured Works

Art Exhibits: Curated by Tai and Rina Kerekere of KE Design, the exhibition brings together the works of six Māori artists from across Aotearoa to share their whakaaro and artistic interpretation of an ocean-centric model with Tangaroa at the heart. Featured artists include Tai Kerekere, Rina Kerekere, Erena Koopu, Hiwirori Maynard, Toni Sadlier, Nick Tupara, Tamihana Katene who will be presenting a variety of mixed media works including, paint, sculpture, carving, weaving, and digital media.

Film: The opening of the exhibition will feature the premiere of a short film documentary that cinematically shares the journey and impact of the Tangaroa Ararau project, filmed and directed by Madison Henry of Māui Studios.

Waiata: At the evening function of the exhibition, R&B/Soul trio, the Tuari Brothers, will perform live an exclusive debut of a waiata specially composed for this kaupapa, as well as songs from their debut album ‘Rongo’.

Tāmoko: Live tā moko demonstrations performed by Nick Tupara and Hiwiori Maynard, demonstrating an illustrative connection between pūrākau of the kaitiaki of the moana and contemporary toi Māori.

Taonga puoro: An immersive wānanga that explores the traditional art of taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments) and their connection to pūrākau and storytelling.