Media Kit

Tangaroa Ararau is a research project of the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge delivered by Awatea Consulting and Whaia Legal (in partnership with Te Ohu Kaimoana) that explores the myriad relationships within Aotearoa New Zealand’s oceans and reimagines a governance system that places Tangaroa at its heart. Built upon a foundation of tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, it aims to reshape our approach to the oceans, in a uniquely Aotearoa way.

Launched as a three-day exhibition from 18-21 June 2024, Uhi Tai is a toi Māori expression of the research findings from the Tangaroa Ararau project, reimagining a marine governance regime with the ocean at the heart of decision-making.

Uhi Tai refers to the ascending tides of Tangaroa. An often-heard phrase in waiata, karakia, and haka. Uhi Tai symbolises the oncoming tides of new perspectives capturing our diverse and complex relationships with the ocean, washing over the entrenched worldview that shaped Aotearoa’s incumbent approach to the ocean.

Through a unique blend of traditional and contemporary toi Māori, Uhi Tai aims to move the hearts and minds of all New Zealanders and demonstrate Te Tiriti and tikanga Māori models in action. Drawing inspiration from traditional Māori knowledge transfer methods, the exhibition presented a dynamic mix of media forms—including video, audio, painting, sculpture, waiata, weaving, carving, taonga pūoro, tā moko, and print media. Through this unique approach, Uhi Tai presents Tangaroa Ararau’s research findings as a call to action, encouraging curiosity, and providing space to reimagine a tikanga-led marine governance and management system that honours Te Tiriti.

• Art Exhibits: Curated by Tai and Rina Kerekere of KE Design, the exhibition brings together the works of six Māori artists from across Aotearoa to share their whakaaro and artistic interpretation of an ocean-centric model with Tangaroa at the heart. Featured artists include Tai Kerekere, Rina Kerekere, Erena Koopu, Hiwirori Maynard, Toni Sadlier, Nick Tupara, Tamihana Katene who will be presenting a variety of mixed media works including, paint, sculpture, carving, weaving, and digital media.

• Film: The opening of the exhibition will feature the premiere of a short film documentary that cinematically shares the journey and impact of the Tangaroa Ararau project, filmed and directed by Madison Henry of Māui Studios.

• Waiata: At the evening function of the exhibition, R&B/Soul trio, the Tuari Brothers, will perform live an exclusive debut of a waiata specially composed for this kaupapa, as well as songs from their debut album ‘Rongo’.

• Tāmoko: Live tā moko demonstrations performed by Nick Tupara and Hiwiori Maynard, demonstrating an illustrative connection between pūrākau of the kaitiaki of the moana and contemporary toi Māori.

• Taonga puoro: An immersive wānanga that explores the traditional art of taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments) and their connection to pūrākau and storytelling.

• Podcasts: A three-part internationally published podcast series including an episodes with Melanie Nelson’s ‘Weaving our Worlds’, Frank Oscar Weaver’s ‘Indigenous Earth Community’, and Astley Nathan’s ‘Te Au o te Moana’.

• Wednesday 19 June (10:30 – 11:30) | Wānanga tuatahi: Exploring the concept of oceans-centric governance model
• Wednesday 19 June (13:30 – 14:30) | Wānanga tuarua: Navigating the future: Innovative strategies for ocean governance
• Thursday 20 June (10:30 – 11:30) | Wānanga tuatoru: Toi Māori and Hauora
• Thursday 20 June (13:30 – 14:30) | Wānanga tuawhā: Taonga Puoro and the Moana

• Thursday 20 June (18:00 – 20:00) | Kai and live guest performance by the Tuari Brothers

Beth Tupara Kātene (Tangaroa Ararau Project Lead)

Beth Tupara-Katene (Ngāti Oneone, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Whānau a Kai, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri) has spent her career championing Māori rights and interests within the marine domain. With experience in central government and Māori organisations, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passionate dedication to protecting our oceans and empowering Māori communities.

Beth has over ten years of experience in central government, where she gained invaluable insights into policy development, regulatory frameworks, and resource management strategies for the ocean. She played a significant role in implementing the Māori Commercial Claims Aquaculture Settlement, marking it as the first-ever prospective Treaty of Waitangi Settlement. She also contributed to an independent review of the ‘new space’ component of the Settlement Act to enhance its implementation and effectiveness.

Beth has worked with iwi and hapū nationwide, amplifying Māori voices and perspectives in ocean governance, management, and policy. She advocates for sustainable use of marine resources, equity, and resilience in coastal ecosystems. Her diverse expertise and dedication to cultural and environmental stewardship make her a valuable voice in addressing the urgent challenges facing our communities and oceans today.

• 17/6/24: Art Exhibition Reimagines Marine Management
• 10/6/24: Art Exhibition Blends Ocean Research and Toi Māori

Victoria Fairweather (Mint and Honey)

E: hello@mintandhoney.co.nz

Ph: 021 2020 166