Tamariki Art Display Brings Kura Pounamu to a Close
A colourful display of tamariki (children’s) creativity marked the closing chapter of Kura Pounamu – Our Treasured Stone at Hokitika Museum.Leading up to the April school holidays, students from Kaniere and Hokitika Primary Schools visited the exhibition and were especially inspired by the powerful display of hei tiki (pendants). After their visit, museum staff went out to Kaniere School to deliver a hands-on art workshop, showing tamariki how to shape and create their own hei tiki from polymer clay, while exploring the cultural meaning behind the form. The children were encouraged to understand that the pounamu hei tiki they had seen may have taken many years to complete. They also learned that every hei tiki begins its life in the shape of an adze — a form that is gradually transformed through shaping, layering, and polishing. Their own versions followed this same principle — shaping, layering, and baking in the oven!
During the holidays, the children’s artwork was proudly exhibited in the museum. Kaniere School contributed a full wall display of polymer clay hei tiki, while Hokitika Primary added a vibrant mix of drawings, masks, and polymer creations.
The museum also hosted a colouring-in competition during the break, with prizes supplied by local carver and gallery owner Steve Gwaliasi of Bonz ‘n’ Stonz.Over the final weeks, the museum was full of local children proudly bringing in their whānau to show off their work. The youthful chatter and energy in the museum was a joyful way to bring the exhibition to a close.
Kura Pounamu officially ended with a poroporoaki (farewell ceremony) on Sunday 27 April, attended by representatives from Ngāti Waewae and Ngāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio, along with museum staff, volunteers, kaitiaki, and community members.
More than 15,000 people visited the exhibition since its opening in December, with many sharing positive feedback about the taonga on display and the beautifully refurbished building. Te Papa staff remarked that of all the venues Kura Pounamu has travelled to — both overseas and throughout Aotearoa — this presentation was the best yet. Museum staff were especially sad to see the beautiful touchstone Te Hurika carefully packed away. This taonga held deep significance for many, with visitors often expressing a sense of awe and strength when standing before it.
Text and images: Hokitika Museum
Right: Bursting with colour and imagination — masks and artworks by Hokitika Primary students, inspired by the hei tiki in Kura Pounamu.
