Ahakoa he iti he pounamu: Emma Ngawai Hipango

This exhibition is a contemporary reimagining of traditional Māori cloaks.

Each cloak represents more than just an object; it is a living expression of Māori sovereignty, resilience, and tino rangatiratanga (Māori self-determination). In the face of growing challenges to Indigenous rights, this work becomes an act of reclamation and defiance, asserting their right to define and preserve their culture, traditions, and worldview.

The project’s title, 'Ahakoa he iti he pounamu' – Though it is small, it is a treasure – reflects the immeasurable value of even the smallest gesture when it carries deep cultural meaning. This project invites viewers to reflect on the sacredness of Māori weaving and its pivotal role in the preservation of Indigenous identity and sovereignty.

By blending traditional weaving techniques with contemporary methods, this work honours the legacy of the tūpuna and ensures the lasting presence of te ao Māori (the Māori world) in an evolving society.