Te Papa is a bicultural institution. We work with iwiiwi tribes in various ways, with major focuses on the following areas.

• National Services Te Paerangi (NSTP)
• Iwi Exhibition Programme
• Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme

National Services Te Paerangi (NSTP)

NSTP aims to strengthen the museum sector by providing practical and strategic help to museums, galleries, and iwiiwi tribes throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. We do this through training, resources, funding grants, advice, and collaborative opportunities including huihui gatherings.

Read more about National Services Te Paerangi

Iwi Exhibition Programme

The Iwi Exhibition Programme gives iwiiwi tribes the chance to present their taongataonga treasures and stories in a national forum. The programme is an important expression of mana taonga – the role of communities in the understanding and care of collections. This concept underpins Te Papa’s guardianship of all taongataonga treasures.

Iwi in residence

Each iwiiwi tribe works collaboratively with Te Papa to create an exhibition. During the exhibition’s run, kaumātua (elders) reside at Te Papa and carry out a range of roles, including ceremonial duties on Te Marae.

Iwi exhibitions at Te Papa

Whiti Te Rā! The story of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, June 2014 – February 2017
Tai timu, tai pari, Tainui: Journey of a people, September 2011 – March 2014 
Mō Tātou: The Ngāi Tahu Whānui exhibition, July 2006 – August 2009
Te Awa Tupua: The Whanganui iwi, November 2003 – 27 May 2006
Tūhoe: Children of the mist, November 2001 – November 2003
Te Aupouri Iwi: People of smoke and flame, August 1999 – October 2001
Te Ātiawa iwi exhibition, February 1998 – August 1999

Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme

The Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme aims to repatriate kōiwi tangata Māori (Māori skeletal remains) and kōimi tangata (Moriori skeletal remains) from overseas institutions to relevant New Zealand iwiiwi tribes. Te Papa performs this work on behalf of the New Zealand Government. The programme relies on iwiiwi tribal involvement and support throughout.

Read about the Karanga Aotearoa Repatriation Programme