After being closed for 18 months for a major redevelopment, the Pacific Cultures gallery will reopen today as the Tāngata Moana Peoples of the Ocean gallery.
The gallery first opened in the early 1960s and had remained largely unchanged since then.
Recognising the importance of the space and the taoka it holds, the museum spent much of last year working closely with Pacific communities to ensure it reflected their cultures, identities and stories, with authenticity and respect.
The renewed space now includes updated lighting, refreshed display cases, more open layouts through the removal of walls, and the integration of digital storytelling.
At its centre, a striking new carpet brings together culture, design and narrative, while the project as a whole has helped foster deeper relationships between the museum and Pasifika communities, marking an important step toward a longer-term vision grounded in collaboration, representation and shared storytelling.
Museum director Dr Ian Griffin said the reopening carried significance far beyond the museum itself.
It represented a renewed commitment to honouring one of the most important Pacific collections in the country, and to sharing these stories in a way that resonated locally, nationally and across the Pacific.
Dr Griffin said the scale of the redevelopment and the depth of collaboration with Pacific communities, made it a ‘‘truly special moment’’.
‘‘This is not just important for the museum, but for Ōtepoti, for Aotearoa, and for Pacific peoples.’’
Museum Pasifika engagement manager Leota A Meredith said the project reflected years of relationship building and shared vision.
‘‘For the past two years, we have worked to build strong and open relationships with Pasifika communities here in Ōtepoti and beyond.
‘‘This gallery is a reflection of those relationships.
‘‘It is something our communities can see themselves in, and feel proud of.’’
Samoan Advisory Council chairman Afamasaga Asemaga Taele-Pavihi said it was ‘‘heartwarming’’ to see the new and improved gallery, which had more items taken out of storage and put on display in individualised sections from each Pacific island.
Pointing to one of the exhibits, he said, ‘‘You know, we no longer use these types of tools’’.
‘‘Most of all this stuff is very original — quite old.
‘‘A lot of people, a lot of this generation, New Zealand-born Samoan, if they look at it, they say, ‘What’s this’? They don’t understand.
‘‘Now that it is here on display, they can be educated about their past and their culture — not only Samoan — it’s a great display of all Pacific Island cultures.
‘‘We are very grateful for that.
‘‘The thinking of the people who work here, they way they have cherished our culture, it’s heartwarming.’’
