Mo Tatou - Ngai Tahu Whanui

In this, the fifth iwi exhibition at Te Papa, Ngai Tahu Whanui, the people of the South Island, invite you to celebrate their past and present, learn about their values and share their vision for the future

Mo tatou, a, mo ka uri, a muri ake nei. For us and our children after us.

Ngai Tahu means ‘people of Tahu’ after our founder, Tahu Potiki. Around 10 generations ago, his descendents migrated from the North Island of New Zealand to the South Island. Through intermarriage and conquest, these original migrants merged with the resident Waitaha and Kati Mamoe tribes to form Ngai Tahu Whanui as it is today.

Embedded in the land, Ngai Tahu Whanui have survived and progressed from near-decimation to tribal autonomy and self-reliance. Four cultural values are the organising principles for this exhibition:

• Toitu te iwi - Culture
• Toitu te rangatiratanga - Tenacity
• Toitu te ao turoa - Sustainability
• Toitu te pae tawhiti - Innovation

Mo Tatou celebrates the distinct and dynamic culture of the South Island's Ngai Tahu people.

Image: Shortland Tiki, Collection of the Southland Museum and Art Gallery Niho o te Taniwha. Reproduced Courtesy of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu. Image Courtesy of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.