Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Museum partners with MIT for Taku Tāmaki Auckland Stories South, a new on campus exhibition, 2 February 2016

“It is a privilege for us to have been given the honour of painting such a significant story. We are so excited to see such a significant project happen not only in South Auckland but within such a great venue at MIT Manukau.” – Artists Charles and Janine Williams.

Opening on the Tuesday 1 March 2016 Taku Tāmaki: Auckland Stories South at MIT Manukau represents an exciting new partnership between Manukau Institute of Technology and Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Located in the atrium of MIT’s Manukau campus, the free exhibition builds on the success of the Museum’s home-grown 2015 Taku Tāmaki: Auckland Stories exhibition and continues to explore the stories that have shaped Tamaki Makaurau and its people – with a South Auckland focus.

The exhibition contains all new material curated in conjunction with the community that celebrates the diversity of South Auckland’s suburbs and the inspirational people that have helped to shape it, from the perspective of Aucklanders.

Auckland Museum Director Roy Clare said that the collaboration with MIT is an exciting development to increase Museum accessibility for Aucklanders across the city.

“We are committed to extending the reach of Auckland War Memorial Museum ‘beyond the walls’ -to add value for our city’s many diverse communities.

“Through our programme we will learn from local people and engage and empower them to share stories, participate in vibrant ways and generally to enrich and widen understanding.

“Working alongside a progressive tertiary institute such as Manukau Institute of Technology presents a range of opportunities for the museum to celebrate the people of our city and illustrate the many exciting ways in which local success is being achieved,” he said.

The exhibition is colourful, relevant and informative and packed with intriguing objects that help to share a diverse range of stories from local people.

Enjoy  bespoke artwork by renowned Papatoetoe artists Charles and Janine Williams, whose work combines graffiti/street art with their love for endemic birds, native birds & flowers

• Step back to the high school days at Wesley College of the late great rugby legend Jonah Lomu, and see the positive influences of team play and commitment that sport has in the area
• Portraits from the Polyfest Hair Project by artists Vinesh Kumaran and Ema Tavola show a funky and fun perspective on the unique fashion and style of Pacific Youth.
• Check out one of Gordon Toi’s tattoo creations.  As one of New Zealand’s prolific multimedia artists, he was a major contributor towards the resurgence of Ta Moko, traditional skin tattooing.

Stuart Middleton, Director of External Relations at MIT, says “We are excited to work with the Auckland War Memorial Museum to bring Taku Tāmaki: Auckland Stories South at MIT Manukau to our communities.

“Both the Museum and MIT share a commitment to acknowledging and empowering Auckland communities in every possible way. This development is the start of what will be an ongoing collaboration with the Museum, MIT and our communities, enabling more people to learn and discover their histories and stories.”

Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, Chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, says Taku Tāmaki: Auckland Stories South at MIT Manukau is a welcome addition to the local landscape.

“This exhibition between the Auckland Museum and MIT is an excellent example of two major institutes collaborating to serve the people of South Auckland. I fully support this initiative, and look forward to visiting the exhibition with my own whanau.”

Stay tuned for more information on exciting events happening in the exhibition space in 2016. Head to aucklandmuseum.com for more information.

Taku Tāmaki: Auckland Stories South at MIT Manukau is on from 1 March 2016 to 1 March 2017.