Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and its Māori Advisory Group, Haerewa, have reaffirmed their commitment to Māori art and artists with a renewed partnership agreement for 2025 to 2028. This renewed commitment reflects both parties’ shared dedication to supporting and championing Māori art and artists, enhancing Māori participation and engagement, and fostering a culturally safe and inclusive environment at the Gallery.
Following a motion from the Chair, and supported by Haerewa members at this year’s hui in March 2025, the role of Amorangi was established for long-serving Haerewa members, with Sir Haare Williams accepting the inaugural appointment. In this esteemed role, he will provide high-level guidance and oversight, offering his wisdom, focus, and care to support Haerewa members as they uphold their responsibilities to Māori artists and the arts with mana and integrity, ensuring a legacy that enriches both today’s generations and those of our mokopuna’s mokopuna.
Founded in 1994, Haerewa is a collective of leading Māori artists, academics, and cultural advocates who provide expert guidance on Māori art, culture, and community engagement. The group has played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of Māori artists and shaping the Gallery’s relationship with Māori communities both within Aotearoa and internationally.
Haerewa is currently chaired by Dr Valance Smith and includes the following members Lisa Reihana, Sir Haare Williams, Reuben Friend, Nova Paul, Graham Tipene, Emily Karaka and Brett Graham.