Whare Taonga

The Taonga Collections Teams engage with marae to complete scheduled Taonga Protection Workshops concentrating on documentation and textile (kaakahu, korowai). The team work closely with Te Tari o Te Kiingitanga in completing priority conservation & preservation workplans, and have the task of building Conservation & Preservation capability of Waikato-Tainui, in preparation of the proposed Whare Taonga as part of the Hopuhopu Development Project. The team maintains strong relationships with agencies such as Te Papa Tongarewa and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage.

Our Heritage and Identity team have a number of initiatives concentrating on Taonga Protection. We are fortunate to have Dr Rangi Te Kanawa (Te Kuuiti Paa) regularly providing training and development for staff on conservation techniques and supported training of 24 tribal members in protection and conservation of textiles and documents.

The team is also collaborating with Te Papa Taonga Consultant, Hikitia Harawira (Mootakotako Marae) providing catalogue and database reviews to ensure these are fit for the proposed Whare Taonga as part of the Hopuhopu Development Project.