2026 media releases

From a 15th-century flute to a hot pink poupou panel, a major new exhibition at New Zealand’s national museum shines a spotlight on the enduring art of Māori carving.

Opening on 29 August 2026 at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, He Toi Whakairo: The Art of Māori Carving brings together 147 taonga (treasures) one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of whakairo (Māori carving) in more than four decades.

Breathe | Mauri Ora – an immersive journey into nature by Marshmallow Laser Feast will soon close at Te Papa on 27 April.

Te Papa welcomed a living piece of history today when it welcomed Torty, a Greek tortoise brought home from the First World War.

Iwi from around the motu will gather in Taradale, Napier this April to share experiences of Kaitiaki Taonga, Mana Taonga, Whare Taonga and discuss the future of taonga care.

As Te Papa Foundation marks its tenth anniversary, it has appointed two distinguished New Zealanders as ambassadors: Beatrice Faumuinā ONZM OLY and Professor Michael Bunce.