Ngā Manu Pīkoko in the Gallery
Te Ara Taiao works with Ngā Manu Pīkoko student leaders across kura in Taranaki to enhance taiao connection and restoration.
Photos: Te Ara Taiao
This year, students have collaborated on kiwi release events, a sea and shorebird advocacy project, and even contributed to a community art installation at the Govett Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth.
The installation entitled Ngā Puna Waiora (1993/2025), led by artist Dr. Maureen Lander MNZM (Ngāpuhi, Te Hikutū), celebrates tamariki reflections on connection to their local awa and whenua, weaving together mātauranga Māori and contemporary practice. Ngā Puna Waiora, was first made in 1993 and has been remade this year by environmental leaders (Ngā Manu Pīkoko) from Te Pi’ipi’inga, Devon Intermediate and Omata School. Each student has expressed their aspiration for the health and well-being of their local awa by painting on ‘mauri stones’ that are integral parts of the installation.
Photo: Te Ara Taiao
“I am delighted that our next generations are growing the seeds that were sown thirty-two years ago in the Ngā Puna Waiora o Taranaki Maunga installation” says Maureen Lander.
“A new group of tamariki are showcasing how these ideas can be developed and translated into a visible art form that threads together their research, creativity, learning and kaitiangatanga (care) for te taiao”.
The exhibition is titled He Tukutuku Auahatanga: Maureen Lander with community, and is on from 14 June to 12 October 2025 at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.
Ngā Mau Pikoko discussing the exhibition at the Len Lye Centre. Photo: Te Ara Taiao.
