Whare Hura: Place of Discovery x Maureen Lander
Exhibition detail
Discover a world of colour, light and creativity in Whare Hura: Place of Discovery x Maureen Lander, an interactive installation for all ages in Te Aka Matua | The Creative Learning Centre.
Created in collaboration with contemporary artist Dr Maureen Lander MNZM (Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Te Hikutū, Ngāti Korokoro), Whare Hura invites tamariki and whānau to slow down, get curious and explore the wonders of the natural world through art and play.
Meaning 'discovery', Hura encourages us to look a little closer at the world around us. From patterns in clouds and rainbow colours in seashells to shadows moving across walls, there's inspiration to be found everywhere.
Drawing on Lander's artworks and creative practice, the installation brings together natural materials, light and hands-on making activities.
There's always something new to explore — Whare Hura will change with the seasons, with three different themes introducing new colours, materials and creative activities inspired by Lander's artworks.
Whether you're making something together or simply taking time to explore, Whare Hura is a space to play, experiment and let your imagination lead the way.
Raumati | Summer
14 November 2026 – 7 February 2027
Celebrate the colours of summer! Inspired by blue skies and green grass, this first seasonal theme invites you to explore natural materials, experiment with weaving and add your own creations to the installation.
The summer activities draw inspiration from Maureen Lander’s artwork Kit-Set Whanaungatanga, pictured above, bringing elements of her creative practice into hands-on activities for all ages.
Look around and explore the natural textures of harakeke (New Zealand flax) hanging from shapes overhead and muka (flax fibre) which decorates other areas of the space. Create something of your own and add it to a growing, shared artwork.
About the artist
Dr Maureen Lander MNZM (Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Te Hikutū, Ngāti Korokoro)
Contemporary artist Maureen Lander (born 1942) has exhibited her work publicly since 1986 when she was invited to present work alongside other Māori women artists in the landmark Karanga, Karanga exhibition. Since then, she has exhibited widely in Aotearoa and internationally and her works are held in public and private collections, including Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. In 2021 Maureen Lander and Mataaho Collective were awarded the Walters Prize, Aotearoa New Zealand’s preeminent contemporary art award.
