Te Pūtake o te Riri, He Rā Maumahara is observed across the country each year on 28 October. We invite you to join us as we observe He Rā Maumahara, a time to commemorate the New Zealand Wars and their impacts on Aotearoa today.
Te Pūtake o te Riri, He Rā Maumahara is observed across the country each year on 28 October to commemorate the New Zealand Wars. This day of remembrance was first observed in 2018.
From Saturday 17 October, we invite you to share your thoughts about the day or write a message of peace or remembrance, onto a paper kawakawa leaf to place into our kete as we commemorate this significant time. Kawakawa leaves are traditionally made into Pare Kawakawa (head adornments) as a symbol of remembrance and mourning for passed loved ones.
If you’re learning about He Rā Maumahara for the first time, before writing your message, you can visit Atarau: Stories of the New Zealand Wars on level 2, to discover more about the New Zealand wars. Atarau is the only major permanent exhibition in the country that presents stories from across the wars.
SUN 25 OCT, 10AM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM & 3PM
WED 28 OCT 11AM & 1PM
In commemoration of He Rā Maumahara, a national day of remembrance of the New Zealand Wars, join us for an informative tour of Atarau. This gallery on level 2, which opened in 2024, tells the stories of the New Zealand Wars and its impact on Aotearoa today. Our knowledgeable Museum guides will lead this 30-minute talk aiming to increase understanding of the 19th century conflicts which shaped our country through the historic and contemporary objects on display.
No bookings required. Simply meet in Pou Maumahara on Level 2.
TUE 27 OCT, 6PM - 7.30PM
PAY WHAT YOU CAN, BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
ORIENTATION SPACE, GROUND FLOOR
As we look towards He Rā Maumahara, the national day of commemoration for the New Zealand Wars, join us for a special book launch for Rua, the first in an upcoming trilogy of novels by Candice Tutauha. Rua tells the story of a young wahine Maori with dreams of leaving her community to pursue a writing career overseas, but a day ending in tragedy and the discovery a soldier's diary from the Taranaki Wars threatens this future.
Candice will join Dr Rowan Light in conversation, recounting how a diary held in Auckland Museum's collection inspired parts of the novel, how this led Candice to dive further into this dark chapter in New Zealand's colonial history and what this project has meant to her as someone whose whakapapa runs to Taranaki.
After the event, you are welcome to join the speakers in Atarau: Stories of the New Zealand Wars on Level 2, for further conversation and questions.
Rua will be available for purchase at this event, with Candice there to sign your copy.