An exhibition by Simone Magner
(Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāti Pūkeko, Waikato-Tainui)
Whakatāne Community Board Gallery 
Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi

Te Kupenga o Taramainuku is a photographic exhibition from contemporary Māori artist Simone Magner. In 2017, Simone was commissioned by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa to capture the 152nd commemoration of an historic siege in 1865 by colonial forces at Te Kupenga o Taramainuku Pā. Historically the pā had been considered the social, political and economic hub of the lower Rangitāiki/Ngāti Awa region, an important meeting place as well as a centre of agricultural production and trade. This battle directly led to the confiscation of 245,000 acres of Ngāti Awa rohe by the Crown and the beginning of a long and painful journey for the iwi to reclaim what was lost. All Ngāti Awa hapū were affected by this confiscation and the consequences have reverberated across generations.

Simone’s exhibition is one of extreme relevance to the entire Eastern Bay community, showcasing images of our people in our place, and the events that have shaped our environment.