Tiny objects, big stories: new Te Papa exhibition celebrates the power of badges, Te Papa, 16 July 2026

They might be small, but the stories they tell can be enormous. Iti te Kupu, Nui te Kōrero | Tiny Statements: The Power of Badges brings together over 200 badges from Te Papa’s collection.

This small but mighty exhibition showcases how these tiny objects have helped people from across Aotearoa New Zealand express identity, belonging, pride, protest, and resistance.

Te Papa Curator New Zealand Histories and Cultures Stephanie Gibson believes that these humble objects serve as portals to our social history.

“Badges are tiny objects with big stories. Designed to be seen, these miniature billboards are placed close to the heart and can be worn anywhere, anytime.”

Based on the book Tiny Statements: A Social History of Aotearoa New Zealand in Badges (Te Papa Press, 2023), the new exhibition demonstrates the power of badges to connect people with history and offers a colourful snapshot of what people cared about, fought for, and wanted the world to know – from instantly recognisable symbols like the peace sign to the niche appeal of the Blue Heron Darts Club.

“When you look at these words and symbols, you’re often looking at a much bigger story about a community, a cause, or a moment in our history. Some of the most compelling stories in our collection are told through the smallest objects”, adds Ms Gibson.

Spanning four display cases, visitors will encounter badges celebrating dogs, community clubs, sports, and communities across the country, alongside pivotal moments in Aotearoa’s history; the Māori Land March, Bastion Point, te reo Māori revival, women’s welfare, and iconic symbols of the anti-apartheid and anti-nuclear movements.

Exhibition highlights include author Margaret Mahy’s badge-covered scarf, a Polynesian Panthers badge and beret, tiny works of art created by Trevor Dick, and mementoes of Elva Marama Love, the first Māori woman to captain the New Zealand Women’s Hockey Team.

Iti te Kupu, Nui te Kōrero | Tiny Statements: The Power of Badges proves that size is no measure of impact and highlights the many ways these wearable symbols broadcast identity and belonging as they travel with wearers into the wider world.

This exhibition at Te Papa is open until 22 October and is free for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand.

For more information: tepapa.nz/TinyStatements