Tairehia, Tairehua

This artwork depicts the majestic migration of a tohorā to Aotearoa, capturing its epic journey across the ocean. Tairehia and Tairehua are the two tides that carry tohorā up and down the coast and across the Pacific. It reflects the deep connection between the whale’s migratory patterns and Māori, emphasising the spiritual and ecological significance of its voyage. This work also acknowledges ‘He Whakaputanga Moana’ declaration. Calling for whales to be granted legal personhood and outlining a comprehensive plan for their protection. The declaration has been signed by Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau te Wherowhero VII, and the Kaumaiti Nui, Travel Tou Ariki, of the Cook Islands. Key actions involve creating marine protected areas and implementing dynamic rāhui—traditional restrictions guided by ancestral knowledge. Additionally, the declaration highlights the necessity of blending mātauranga Māori with modern scientific practices, promoting a holistic and robust approach to safeguarding whale populations.

Erena Koopu is committed to sustaining Māori culture through art by guiding and helping people to explore and discover their own creative core. Koopu was one of the first students to graduate with a degree from EIT Tairāwhiti’s Toihoukura – School of Māori Visual Arts. Since that achievement, she has come full circle and is now responsible for Toihoukura’s Te Toi o Ngā Rangi: Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts degree and Level Four Foundation Certificate. Koopu is also senior painting lecturer, a role which allows her to investigate art in a framework that encompasses all aspects of Te Ao Māori for students who may have little to no experience of a Māori worldview of art and its related protocols.