Long Term Exhibitions
Te Kohao o Te Ngira – Fred Graham, marae, Waikato Museum
"Kotahi te köhao o te ngira, e kuhuna ai te miro ma, te miro pango, te miro whero"
"There is but one eye of a needle, through which the white, the black and the red threads must pass"
King Potatau te Wherowhero
The apex of the house symbolises of the eye of the needle, with the five threads representing thefive Maaori Kings, while the arms of the house represent the lineage of the Kiingitanga. The house and its design is a tribute to the Maaori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikahu for her love, support and encouragement of all Maaori art forms. Aspects of King Tawhiao’s moko have been included in the side panels of the house, the colours are reminiscent of the celestial universe when night gives way to dawn and a new day.
Te Whare Waka o Te Winika - Te Winika Gallery
View the majestic Te Winika, a 200-year-old carved waka taua (Maaori war canoe) of Ngaati Tipa; Ngaati Maahanga and Ngaati Maru collaboration; gifted to the Waikato Museum by Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu in 1973 as a gesture of fellowship and goodwill with the city of Hamilton.
The Mighty River - Waikato: from Hinaki to Hydropower
The Waikato River winds like an artery, bringing life to the land. Always a crucial food source, it now feeds homes hungry for electricity. Tainui join with other Waikato iwi (tribes) in a saying, ‘Where there is water, people will settle.’ Meet the people, hear the stories, explore the wildlife and workings of the mighty river Waikato.
trust waikato art gallery
Through the generous contribution of Trust Waikato, the Waikato Museum is able to offer this gallery dedicated to exhibiting a rich blend of the Trust Waikato artworks and museum’s own collection.
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never a dull moment! hamilton stories
Never a dull moment! Hamilton stories is a local history exhibition that aims to entertain, engage and educate museum visitors. It takes a fresh look at the tales of Hamilton, and moves history exhibitions beyond simply old stuff in cases. Visitors will find it a quirky, thought-provoking and entertaining exhibition.
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Ngaa Pou Whenua
Ngaa Pou Whenua is a modern story of the four iwi of Tainui – Waikato, Pare Hauraki, Raukawa and Maniapoto. From the mouth of the Waikato River, to the plains of Hauraki; the rolling hills of Raukawa and the valleys of Maniapoto. Ngaa Pou Whenua is an exhibition of Tainui people and Tainui lands.
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Waihou River - Hauraki |
Kakepuku-o-Kahu - Maniapoto |
Taupiri - Waikato |
Waikato River - Raukawa |
