Te Papa’s work with iwiTe mahi a Te Papa me ngā iwi
Learn about the main ways Te Papa works with iwi (tribal groups) in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te Papa is a bicultural institution. We work with iwi in various ways, with major focuses on the following areas.
National Services Te Paerangi (NSTP)
NSTP aims to strengthen the museum sector by providing practical and strategic help to museums, galleries, and iwi throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. We do this through training, resources, funding grants, advice, and collaborative opportunities including hui.
Read more about National Services Te Paerangi
Iwi Exhibition Programme
The Iwi Exhibition Programme gives iwi the chance to present their taonga and stories in a national forum. The programme is an important expression of mana taonga – the role of communities in the understanding and care of collections. This concept underpins Te Papa’s guardianship of all taonga.
Iwi in residence
Each iwi works collaboratively with Te Papa to create an exhibition. During the exhibition’s run, kaumātua (elders) reside at Te Papa and carry out a range of roles, including ceremonial duties on Te Marae.
Iwi exhibitions at Te Papa
Ko Rongowhakaata: The Story of Light and Shadow, Sep 2017 – Feb 2022
Whiti Te Rā! The Story of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Jun 2014 – Feb 2017
Tai timu, tai pari, Tainui: Journey of a People, Sep 2011 – Mar 2014
Mō Tātou: The Ngāi Tahu Whānui exhibition, July 2006 – Aug 2009
Te Awa Tupua: The Whanganui iwi, Nov 2003 – May 2006
Tūhoe: Children of the Mist, Nov 2001 – Nov 2003
Te Aupouri Iwi: People of Smoke and Flame, Aug 1999 – Oct 2001
Te Ātiawa iwi exhibition, Feb 1998 – Aug 1999
Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme
The Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme aims to repatriate kōiwi tangata Māori (Māori skeletal remains) and kōimi tangata (Moriori skeletal remains) from overseas institutions to relevant New Zealand iwi. Te Papa performs this work on behalf of the New Zealand Government. The programme relies on iwi involvement and support throughout.
