Modern Plymouth, Taranaki – A new exhibition opening this week at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is offering a unique perspective on the natural world, giving voice to the often-unheard inhabitants of Taranaki’s waterways. Whiria ko te iwi tuna, which translates to “weaving together the community of eels,” immerses visitors in the underwater lifeworld of Te Whanganui, a central Taranaki stream, and explores the interconnectedness of native species like tuna (eels), iinanga, kooaro (whitebait), and piharau (lamprey). The exhibition, a four-year collaboration by artist collective Toiaa Taiao, opens on February 28th and runs through July 19, 2026.
The project goes beyond simply documenting the ecosystem; it actively seeks to amplify the voices of the creatures within it. “This project marks the first time the voices of tuna from Te Whanganui have been recorded and made audible as voices in their own right,” explained Maree Sheehan, a composer and sound artist with Toiaa Taiao, who was recognized as Māori Researcher of the Year by the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2024. Sheehan added that the perform positions tuna not as passive indicators of environmental health, but as “active agents speaking for their own sovereignty.”
A Collaborative Effort Rooted in Kaitiakitanga
Toiaa Taiao is comprised of Tihikura Hohaia (Ngāti Moeahu), Alex Monteith (Clans Mitchell and Monteith, Doherty), and Maree Sheehan (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato, Ngāti Tuuwharetoa, Raukawa, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa, Clan Sheehan, Clan Marshall). The collective’s approach is deeply rooted in kaitiakitanga, a Māori concept of guardianship and protection of the natural world. The exhibition aims to draw attention to what the artists describe as ongoing legislative failures that have enabled the exploitation of waterways and undermined the authority of local hapū (sub-tribes) in their role as guardians.
The exhibition utilizes evocative underwater footage and meticulously recorded soundscapes to create an immersive experience. Visitors will be invited to experience Te Whanganui not just as a body of water, but as a living, communicating presence. The project focuses on the ngutuawa – the mouth of the stream where it meets the sea – and the impact of a century of land and water degradation on this vital ecosystem. The waters carry sediment and debris, fostering algal blooms and supporting the life of both taniwha (spiritual guardians) and human communities.
Expanding the Narrative Through Scholarship
The exhibition is further enriched by a newly published essay by Rachel Buchanan (Taranaki iwi, Te Ātiawa, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika). Buchanan’s work, according to exhibition materials, situates Whiria ko te iwi tuna within “a whakapapa of care and protest” in Taranaki, acknowledging the long history of hapū and community-led efforts to protect the region’s waters from industrial damage and affirming the inseparable connection between the land, water, and its people.
A Companion Exhibition Showcases the Gallery’s Collection
Opening alongside Whiria ko te iwi tuna is Pause, act, void, event, a dynamic exhibition featuring both beloved and newly acquired works from the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery’s collection. The exhibition is anchored by a large-scale work by Debra Bustin, which hasn’t been displayed at the gallery since 1982. Other artists featured include Billy Apple, D Harding, Ralph Hotere, Corita Kent, Tom Kreisler, Ziggy Lever & Lucy Meyle, Peter Peryer, and Pauline Rhodes. Like Whiria ko te iwi tuna, Pause, act, void, event will be on display until July 19, 2026.
Both exhibitions represent a significant cultural moment for New Plymouth and the Taranaki region, offering visitors a chance to engage with art that is both aesthetically compelling and deeply connected to the local environment and Māori heritage. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, managed by the New Plymouth District Council, continues to position itself as a vital space for artistic expression and cultural dialogue. Those interested in staying up-to-date on the gallery’s events can sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by the gallery’s editors.
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery will host a series of public programs and events alongside the exhibitions, details of which will be announced on their website in the coming weeks. The exhibitions offer a compelling invitation to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems for future generations.
Share your thoughts on this unique exhibition and the importance of environmental storytelling in the comments below.
