Mana Whenua

Experience powerful stories that celebrate Māori as tangata whenua

tangata whenua – the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In Mana Whenua, explore the richness of Māori life and heritage through taonga

taonga, oral histories, and contemporary art works.

Encounter taonga tuku ihotaonga tuku iho ranging from weaving, carving, and pounamu

pounamu pendants, to waka

waka and whare

whare.

Tamariki

Tamariki can explore te ao Māorite ao Māori through activities in the Te Huka ā Tai Discovery Centre next door.

When | Āhea Permanent exhibition
Where | Ki hea Level 4
Cost | Te utu Free entry
Ages | Te reanga All ages
Allow | Me whakarite 30 minutes
Accessibility | E wātea ana ki
- Wheelchair accessible (Please note that the inside of Te Hau ki Tūranga is not accessible by a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or similar.)
- Variable lighting
- No photography
Find out more about accessibility at Te Papa

Highlights

Teremoe – a waka taua

waka taua from the Whanganui region, used in battles during the New Zealand wars of the mid 1800s.
Tchakat Moriori – the story of Moriori, the original inhabitants of the remote islands of Rēkohu, also known as the Chatham Islands or Wharekauri.
Te Aurere – the ancestral voyages from Hawaiki, a distant place of origin, presented through the journey of Te Aurere, a modern voyaging waka.
Te Hau ki Tūranga – an exceptional meeting house at the heart of the iwi

iwi exhibition Ko Rongowhakaata: The Story of Light and Shadow, and also at the core of Mana Whenua.

Activity book: Te reo Māori activity book
Te reo Māori activity book

Celebrate Māori language by learning Māori words and phrases through simple activities. Download two free activity books for kids – focused on pronunciation, the other includes more word searches, crossword, colouring pages, and stories.
Education resource: Kids’ activity trails
Kids’ activity trails

Use our fun activity trails to get the most out of your self-guided visit to Te Papa.

Ra / Mamaru (Sail) Object
Ra / Mamaru (Sail)

Riria Smith 1999 ME022712
Pendant (tiki, kuru, diamond, gold and pearl assemblage) Object
Pendant (tiki, kuru, diamond, gold and pearl assemblage)

Unknown ME015291
Mere pounamu (nephrite weapon) Object
Mere pounamu (nephrite weapon)

Unknown 1800-1900 ME014375
Ko hine te iwaiwa, ko hine korako, ko rona whakamau tai Object
Ko hine te iwaiwa, ko hine korako, ko rona whakamau tai

Robyn Kahukiwa 1993 1995-0016-1

See more highlights

Stay in the loop about our wide range of events and exhibitions.

Follow our social media channels for a glimpse behind the scenes at Te Papa.

Friends enjoy benefits and discounts including invitations to previews and private viewings.

Join

Find out how you can support Te Papa through a donation or bequest by becoming a patron.

Donate