Te Kōpuni Kura: Collected Treasures of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

Te Kōpuni Kura is the name of the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa art collection. The name reflects what the collection is – “kōpuni” a group or body of “kura” treasures. First initiated in the late 1980’s through the acquisition of tauira (students) and kaiako (tutors) artworks, Te Kōpuni Kura now consists of over 1000 artworks, displayed across multiple sites, representing the rich history and unique character of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

Drawing from Te Kōpuni Kura, the works selected for this exhibition represent ringa toi (artists) who have helped to shape, establish and deliver Toi Māori (Māori art) programmes at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa over the past 35 years. Collectively representing the calibre of knowledge, expertise and leadership that have been instrumental in the development of this unique pathway of Māori art education, and act as treasured reminders of this history.

Tukua te toi, kia tupu te toi, kia whanake te toi ki te ao, hei hiringa whakaaro mō te katoa.

Let the arts grow and develop in the world, to be an inspiration for all.

On show from 20th September 2020