Aotearoa's coastlines spotlighted in new art exhibition

Auckland art gallery has recently opened the exhibition ‘Taimoana Coastlines’ which displays art by Māori, Pasifika and Pākehā artists from the 18^th century up to now.

Head of Kaupapa Māori at Auckland Art Gallery Joe Pihema says that Māori worldview is embedded in the gallery - not only through its exhibitions but also throughout the entire gallery and staff.

“Māori art is one of the most seen and appreciated aspects of the Māori world.”

Pihema says that art is a “key platform for indigenous cultures, for indigenous artists to be able to promote a political awareness, to promote a space of political activism.”

He says that the art showcases how the coast is central to life throughout Aotearoa's history, especially to te ao Māori who have depended on the sea for cultural practices, food and travel.

‘Taimonana Coastline’s is especially relevant to iwi across New Zealand who are applying for marine coastal rights to have recognition of their whenua, says Pihema.

The Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act of 2011 ended Crown control of the foreshore and seabed and replaced it with a no ownership system, however it permits Māori to seek customary rights and titles in court.

Recently two hapū north of Gisborne were able to establish a joint customary marine title of Tokomaru Bay.

Pihema’s iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei holds ownership rights over Okahu bay, a place that has historically been significant for the iwi.

“I think iwi can see the importance of where they locate themselves in and around their own coastlines.

“That doesn't create a barrier for other people to come down and enjoy sitting on the beach at Okahu bay, but what it does do is it reminds us about where we are within the space of taimoana, of coastlines.”

When it comes to other Māori who wish to seek marine title of their whenua, Pihema hopes that this exhibition can inspire them.

“Taimoana Coastlines is a really important exhibition because it allows people from a range of cultures to come together to identify something that's quite important to everybody.”