In this gallery-based programme we will share the puuraakau of the arrival of the Tainui waka, learn about some of the ancestors depicted in the carvings, including exploring how the Kiingitanga formed and the Te Winika story. 

We will also talk about toi Maaori, exploring the way the parts of the building are significant and uphold the mana and wairua of this region, and how stories are an ongoing taonga.

Single class

2 hour programme. Up to 30 students. 

Guided by one of our educators. Spend one hour in Te Whare Waka gallery, followed by another hour doing a second activity programme of your choosing (or an arts response session), with time to explore the museum through our Eye Spy activity.

Larger groups

2 hour programme. Up to 60 students.

Option 1: One hour in Te Whare Waka gallery with an educator, and one hour of self-led time (in small, supervised groups) exploring the newly refurbished museum galleries with an Eye Spy activity and suggestion cards for adults to engage with students.

Option 2: One hour in Tainui and Te Whare Waka with an educator,, and one hour of self-led time in Exscite.

Curriculum links

• Visual Arts | Ngā Toi
• Social Sciences |Tikanga-ā-iwi
• Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories

Learning outcomes

Within the gallery education session, students will have the opportunity to:

• Focus on familial links and bonds, networks and connections, the importance of respect and obligation, and the stories woven into people’s collective and diverse identities.
• Begin to explore the dynamic nature of culture and identity and the social and cultural importance of community practices, heritage, traditions, knowledge, and values.
• Develop visual literacy and aesthetic awareness as they explore experiences, stories, abstract concepts, social issues.
• Experience the stories local iwi and hapuu share about this rohe, understanding that different stories can be held by different iwi and hapuu, and that all stories are taonga to be treasured.
• View traditional and contemporary Maaori art works, bringing their own experiences, sharing their responses, and generating multiple interpretations. Their meaning making is further informed by investigation of the contexts in which art works are created, used, and valued.