Seventy-five years ago today, the first scheduled passenger service from Auckland to Sydney on flying boat ‘Aotearoa’ ZK-AMA took place. This flight marks the birth of New Zealand’s national airline, originally named TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited), now Air New Zealand. It was piloted by Captain John Burgess and thereRead more

By:
On:
In: History, Pacific

The short answer to this question is yes. I raise this topic in this blog as I reflect on the way that Pacific communities in New Zealand are commemorating our ancestors participation in the First World War, and whether we were present during the fighting on the Gallipoli peninsula. The AustralianRead more

By:
On:
In: Pacific

Right from the beginning TEAL, NAC and later Air New Zealand produced travel bags that reveal the company’s name, colours and logo. As such they are important markers of the changing face of the airline. Air New Zealand 75 years. Our nation. The world. Connected has a selection of theseRead more

By:
On:
In: History, Pacific

It has been a busy year for the Pacific Cultures team. We have had people from around the world visit the Pacific Cultures collection storeroom from Wellington hip hop pioneers to weavers and carvers from Niue. Each visit has helped to connect communities with our collection and on many occasions ourRead more

By:
On:
In: Pacific

November was World Hip Hop History Month 2014. It was celebrated at Te Papa by Family Fun: Aotearoa Hip Hop 101 with special guest hip hop pioneers KOS 163, Rhys B and other members of the local hip hop community. The event celebrated 20 years of Wellington hip hop collective Footsouljahs andRead more

By:
On:
In: Pacific

Today in the Pacific Cultures Collections storeroom, we were visited by some of Wellington’s hip hop historians. The visit was in preparation for their hosting of a historic Back of House Hip Hop Tour this coming Sunday 2 November. As part of Family Fun:  Aotearoa Hip Hop 101 special guest hip hopRead more

By:
On:
In: Pacific
Whale’s tooth on a braided necklace

Tabua (pronounced “tambua” – the b has a ‘mb’ sound) are pierced and braided whales’ teeth, originally taken from the lower jaw of sperm whales. Fijians consider them to be kavakaturanga (chiefly items). Pacific Cultures curator Sean Mallon highlights some personalised tabua from the collections.Read more

By:
On:
In: Art, Pacific

This week to celebrate Tuvalu language week 2014 we have shared a few highlights from our collection on Instagram including a pair of taka (reef sandals). In Tuvalu taka were more than a fashion statement, for some they were a necessity. Tuvalu is a low-lying island group made up of four reef islandsRead more

By:
On:
In: Pacific

This past week has seen an important and ground breaking collaboration between The Conch – an internationally successful Pacific Visual Theatre Company lead by Nina Nawalowalo and Te Papa. Through the Conchus Youth and Advocacy programmes The Conch is engaging the potential of theatre to affect social change, to serveRead more

By:
On:
In: Pacific

Fakatalofa atu! This week is Tuvalu language week 2014 and the theme is Tuvalu ko tou lagaifakalaga ke mau mai aulua foe: Your language keeps your culture and identity afloat, continue to work together. The Papa’s Pacific Cultures collections have around 195 artefacts associated with Tuvalu, including fishing gear, fans,Read more

By:
On:
In: Pacific

For Tongan language week 2014 – Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga I have been thinking about how our Tongan collection reflects this year’s theme “Ko e Kai ia ‘a e Tonga” – “Enriching Aotearoa with Tongan Wisdom”. My first thought was of the large ngatu pepa (2007) produced by IloRead more

By:
On:
In: Pacific